Gabriela: Ordinary civilians far `more vulnerable’ to military abuses

MANILA, Philippines — Reports of a high-ranking military official abusing his subordinates only indicate that ordinary civilians in communities are far more vulnerable to such kinds of atrocities, pro-women group Gabriela said on Tuesday.

Gabriela Secretary General Clarice Palce in a statement said that military officials who abuse their power must be held accountable immediately. That was after reports that a high-ranking official is facing rape complaints before a prosecutor’s office after being accused of sexual assault early this year by two junior officers.

According to the documents provided to INQUIRER.net, the two junior officers were serving as his office assistants.  The complaints were eventually filed after a military investigation found prima facie evidence that the official exhibited conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.

READ: Military official faces rape complaints filed by 2 junior officers

“Military officials who shamelessly abuse their power to commit acts of sexual violence must be held accountable immediately. There is no place in society for those who abuse their power to rape and hurt other people,” Palce said.

“If military officials can abuse their own junior officers, how much more vulnerable are ordinary civilians in communities who have no means to defend themselves?  The power dynamics within the military create conditions where violence, including sexual violence, flourishes with impunity,” she added.

According to Palce, such incidents cannot be considered “isolated cases” because the latest cases show a long “pattern of abuse.”

“We have repeatedly stated that these are not isolated cases. The pattern of abuse extends from the highest ranks down to field operations,” Palce said, noting that there was a previous case where a 15-year-old girl was supposedly kidnapped, interrogated, tortured, repeatedly raped by an auxiliary force member.

“The culture of violence and abuse within the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) only shows a deep-rooted problem due to machismo and the lack of accountability in this institution,” she added.

According to the complaints, the alleged assault occurred on January 29, 2025, after the official and his assistants attended an event that lasted until early morning the following day.

The two junior officers then proceeded to the official’s residence. There, the official allegedly subjected the two junior officers to a series of inappropriate and coercive acts, culminating in the sexual assault, the complaint read.

The junior officer involved then filed a complaint by January 30, 2025.

“The totality of Respondent’s actions violates moral, ethical, and professional standards of military officers. His conduct demonstrates a lack of respect for others and an abuse of authority, bringing dishonor to the military profession,” a military report dated February 26, 2025 said.

The official meanwhile has been relieved from his post and is currently under restricted custody. /MR