THE Philippine Army yesterday said it has started an investigation, preparatory to possible conduct of court-martial proceedings, against three soldiers recently arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives in Tarlac in the act of selling shabu to a poseur buyer.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said Provost Marshal and Judge Advocate General probers made initial coordination with PDEA officials last Monday to gather information on the arrest of the soldiers.
Earlier reports named the three soldiers as Corporal Venancio Delmoral, Corporal Juan Carlo Feliciano, and Sergeant Modesto Rosquero, all assigned with the 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija.
“As of now, there is an ongoing parallel investigation for their administrative cases. The Provost Marshal and Judge Advocate General of the 7th Infantry Division coordinated yesterday with PDEA for the gathering of information and possible filing of administrative cases,” said Demaala.
The three soldiers were nabbed during a buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA operatives in Barangay Anupul in Bamban, Tarlac last Sunday night. The three yielded 50 grams of shabu worth P340,000, a cal. 45 pistol with magazine and ammunition and the marked money.
A court-martial will be convened to try the soldiers if the investigation establishes probable cause against them, said Dema-ala.
“That would be a possibility, they will be court-martialed…Depending on the gravity (of their offense), the maximum (penalty) is (being) discharged from the service,” said Dema-ala.
“That is dishonorable discharge which means they are not going to receive benefits from the Philippine Army,” Dema-ala said.
Dema-ala said the Army investigation is parallel to the ongoing probe being conducted by PDEA pertaining to the criminal aspect of the case.
“They will still be facing the criminal charges. The AFP, the Philippines will support the investigation of PDEA against the three personnel,” said Dema-ala.
Armed Forces spokeswoman Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military will cooperate with PDEA in the investigation of the soldiers.
“The Armed Forces remains committed to upholding discipline and integrity within its ranks and will cooperate fully with PDEA to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter,” said Padilla.
Padilla said the involvement of soldiers in illegal activities “is contrary to the principles of service and appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation in accordance with the law on military regulations.”
Padilla said the illegal activity of the three soldiers was an “isolated incident.”
“(It) does not represent the values and dedication of the vast majority of our men and women in uniform who tirelessly serve the nation with unwavering commitment,” said Padilla.
