Soldier accused of rape in Bukidnon goes AWOL

MANILA, Philippines–An Army soldier accused of raping a 16-year-old in Bukidnon has gone absent without official leave (AWOL).

Private First Class Benjie Blancada of the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion has gone AWOL after being “confined and restricted” to the barracks following the allegations against him, First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, public affairs officer of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, confirmed to INQUIRER.net on Thursday.

Gabriela Southern Mindanao on Tuesday said Jessa (not her real name), a 16-year-old mother, was raped by Blancada on Nov. 17 in Sitio Maloos, Barangay Sinuda in Kitaotao in Bukidnon province. Blancada, 25, hails from Cotabato.

Lacambra said his battalion had contacted Blancada to convince him to return. But until he comes back, manhunt efforts against him will continue.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Bernardo, commanding officer of the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion, has encouraged the victim to formally file charges, Lacambra said.

No formal charges have been filed against Blancada.

Bernardo said they would cooperate with the investigators and would encourage Blancada to show up to face the allegations.

Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, commanding officer of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, has also ordered an investigation.

“We will not condone these acts. He will be punished to the full extent of the law once proven guilty,” Lacambra said, quoting Año.

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