Soldiers find Internet good medium to air rap vs abuses

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— Soldiers have turned to the Internet to expose hazing and other abuses allegedly committed by a military officer, who may soon face a military tribunal.

The court martial of 1 Lieutenant Jake Alcober has been recommended by Colonel Gregorio Pio Catapang, head of the Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade, after video clips were shown in the “I-Alerto Mo” citizen journalism website of CLTV36, a regional TV network in Central Luzon.

The clips show a man in Army uniform whipping two men with a paddle. One footage shows the same man playing a card game with men who appear to be his subordinates.

Catapang identified the man as Alcober,  the former head of the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company based in Arayat, Pampanga.

“What he did is a very serious offense and negates our new campaign plan that gives importance to discipline and good behavior,” Catapang said.

Catapang said Major General Alan Luga, the 7th Infantry Division commander, is “not known to tolerate serious lapses in leadership and good behavior among our officers.”

Before the video went public, Catapang said he had relieved Alcober from his duties as company commander because of “poor performance” and for being “lenient to the misbehavior” of some of his men.

The last offense was related to the military’s activities in a village which was not identified.

Alcober has been restricted to camp in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija for investigation, Catapang said.

The Inquirer tried to reach Alcober on Friday but he did not respond to calls and text messages.

Alcober joined the service through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School where he graduated in 2006.

In an affidavit dated April 20, six soldiers filed a complaint against Alcober for several violations including of Articles of War 95 (for fraud committed against the government) and Articles of War 96 (for conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman). Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon