Soldier nabbed for theft, sale of hundreds of bullets

AFP FILE PHOTO/Luis Robayo

TAGUM CITY, Philippines — A soldier has been arrested for allegedly stealing and selling 1,000 rounds of ammunition of the Artmy’s 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Compostela Valley, a military spokesperson said on Saturday.

Sgt. Jeffrey Ordoño has been placed under custody following the discovery of the theft last Friday, according to Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th ID spokesperson.

Batchar said Sergeant Ordoño, assigned to training would be-non-commissioned officers at the 10th Division Training School, was believed to have sold the stolen bullets to civilians. Batchar did not say what weapons the bullets were for.

“(Ordoño) is now detained and being investigated. He will be facing charges for violation of Articles of War 85 or the unlawful disposition of military property,” Batchar said in a statement, adding the suspect could face administrative or judicial proceedings which may include trial by a military court.

Batchar said the 10th ID commander, Maj. General Rafael Valencia, “sternly warned that scalawags within the military command would be dealt with accordingly.”/rga