ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete has ordered a stop to “reception” or welcome ceremonies, which involve physical exercises, for newly-recruited Army soldiers pending a review of the conduct of such activities.
Nafarrete issued this directive after Pvt. Charlie Patigayon, of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion, collapsed during a reception ceremony in Maguindanao del Norte last July 30 and died a day later at a hospital.
“He issued an instruction to momentarily stop the reception ceremonies within the Philippines while we’re doing some review,” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-alama said, referring to Nafarrete.
Dema-ala said the order of Nafarrete, who assumed command as Army chief last July 31, applies only to newly-enlisted personnel and not to civilians who will undergo training to become soldiers.
Dema-ala said the Army is reviewing whether such reception ceremonies, which he said are “unwritten tradition” among new Army personnel, are still needed.
He noted that those who are being “welcomed” are soldiers who have recently finished basic training.
Soldiers who undergo such a reception ceremony are ordered to perform “authorized” exercises, like push-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts.
“It’s also meant to prevent similar deaths,” said Dema-ala, referring to the review.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred at the headquarters of the Bravo Company of the 6th Infantry Battalion.
Two officers – the company commander and a platoon leader – and 21 enlisted personnel who supervised the reception ceremony were relieved from their posts, pending the probe.
Dema-ala said the 23 are currently in the custody of the 6th Infantry Division while the investigation is ongoing.
He disclosed that the battalion commander was not aware of the reception ceremony.
Dema-ala said new soldiers were also assigned to two other companies of the battalion. He said the two companies did not hold any reception ceremony for their new men.
“It was not sanctioned, it was not covered by an order from the battalion commander,” said Dema-ala, referring to the reception ceremony conducted by the Bravo Company of the battalion.
“If a company holds activities such as this, the company commander has the responsibility to inform his immediate superior, his battalion commander. The battalion commander is supposed to know everything that is happening within his unit,” said Dema-ala.
Dema-ala assured the family of Patigayon that soldiers found involved in any wrongdoing will be punished.
“We are assuring the family of the late Pvt. Patigayon that the Philippine Army is committed to pursuing justice,” said Dema-ala.
“If the investigations confirm wrongdoing, definitely those who are responsible will be held fully accountable under the military justice system as well as all applicable laws,” said Dema-ala.
