AN Air Force general accused of sexually abusing two male junior officers has pleaded not guilty to charges lodged against him before a military tribunal.
“It has already started, the trial is ongoing,” said Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, referring to the trial that started last week.
The special general court martial convened about a week ago after Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr approved recommendations to try the general for violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman) and Articles of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).
The cases are on top of the charges that the victims, a major and a captain, filed before the Lipa City Prosecutors Office.
The incident reportedly occurred in January at the quarters of the Air Force general after the celebration of his birthday.
The accused is under military custody, pending resolution of the cases.
Padilla, asked if the military will surrender custody of the general to a civilian court, said, “Whatever will be required by our civilian courts, the military will cooperate accordingly.”
At present, Padilla said, the accused general “is still under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
