TWO Army officers and 19 enlisted personnel were relieved from their posts pending an investigation into the death of a soldier during a “reception” or welcome ceremony in Maguindanao del Norte last week.
The two officers were a company commander and a platoon leader from the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion (IB), said Maj. June Mark Matugas, public affairs officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID)
“They were part of the reception party, composed of two officers and 19 enlisted personnel,” Matugas said of the officers and personnel who were not identified.
“They are currently at the battalion headquarters (in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur) for investigation,” added Matugas.
The incident occurred last July 30 during a reception ceremony at the headquarters of the Bravo Company of the 6th IB in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte, said Matugas.
After performing “authorized exercises,” including push-ups, squat thrusts, and sit-ups, Pvt. Charlie Patigayon collapsed, said Matugas.
Patigayon was brought to the Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato City and died the following day. His body is currently at the headquarters of the 6th ID in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Citing medical findings, Matugas said kidney failure was the cause of Patigayon’s death.
Matugas said Patigayon and other new enlisted soldiers underwent the “traditional” reception ceremony at around 11 a.m. last July 30.
“It’s a traditional way of welcoming the new enlisted personnel. It’s more of doing traditional exercises…It’s covered by a set of rules and regulations from the Army,” said Matugas.
“Allegedly, Pvt. Patigayon collapsed (during the reception ceremony) and was brought to the hospital. Based on his death certificate, kidney failure was the cause of his death,” said Matugas.
Matugas said the family of Patigayon has requested an autopsy of his remains. He said the family wants the PNP Northern Mindanao police regional office to conduct the autopsy.
The 6th ID, in a statement, said it has initiated a “thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident and assess whether anyone may be held liable.”
“The Philippine Army will always uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and care for its personnel,” it added.
It said that while reception rites are observed as a tradition to welcome new members of the military community, these should be conducted with “utmost consideration for the health and safety of our soldiers.”
“Any deviation or breach that compromises the welfare of personnel is subject to disciplinary action,” it said, adding that it adopts a zero-tolerance policy against malpractices that endanger the lives of soldiers.
“Appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with military justice and applicable laws should violations be found,” the 6th ID said.
While reiterating the Army’s adherence to the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the command “upholds a zero-tolerance policy against any practices that endanger the safety and well-being of its personnel.”
“The individuals involved in the incident have been immediately relieved of their duties and are currently under investigation,” said Dema-ala.
Dema-ala assured the family of Patigayon that the Philippine Army is committed to pursuing justice.
“Should the investigation confirm wrongdoing, those responsible will be held fully accountable under the military justice system and all applicable laws,” said Dema-ala.
He said the Army is providing all the assistance and support to the bereaved family of Patigayon.
“While no form of compensation can ever replace the life of a soldier, we are committed to honoring Pvt. Patigayon’s service and to easing the burden on his loved ones,” said Dema-ala
