ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has ordered military units across the country to “uphold the highest standards of military conduct and discipline.”
Brawner issued the “clear and uncompromising directive” after the collapse and subsequent death of Pvt. Charlie Patigayon, during a reception or welcome ceremony at a military base in Maguindanao del Norte last week.
In a statement yesterday, the military said Brawner ordered all military personnel to “reject all forms of hazing, physical abuse, maltreatment, and degrading treatment.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is a professional institution built on discipline, integrity, and respect for human dignity,” the AFP said in the statement.
“We do not and will never tolerate hazing, physical abuse, maltreatment or any form of degrading treatment. These values are instilled in every soldier from pre-entry training and reinforced throughout their service,” it added.
It reiterated its commitment to “cultivating a culture of professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability” within the organization.
“All personnel, regardless of rank or tenure, must be treated with dignity in every setting, whether in training, duty, ceremonies, or daily interactions,” the AFP said.
Patigayon and other new soldiers performed “authorized exercises” — including squats, squat thrusts, and pushups — at the headquarters of the Bravo Company of the 6th Infantry Battalion in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte as part of the reception ceremony last July 30.
Patigayon later collapsed and was brought to a hospital in Cotabato City, where he died the following day. Patigayon’s death was due to kidney failure based on his death certificate.
Two military officers and 19 enlisted personnel have been relieved from their posts, pending a thorough investigation ordered by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division earlier 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,” it said.
