Woman drops rape case vs 6 Army men

MANILA, Philippines—A 21-year-old woman who had accused six Army soldiers of gang rape has withdrawn the complaint she filed before the Masbate prosecutor’s office.

The complainant signed an affidavit of desistance before Masbate assistant provincial prosecutor Richard Riveral on Feb. 20, the Army said in a statement.

The complainant had claimed she was raped by six soldiers on Jan. 30 and on Feb. 2 inside the camp of the Bravo Company of the Army 9th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Puro, Milagros.

But even if the criminal case has been withdrawn, the soldiers will still face administrative cases for allowing a civilian inside the camp for unauthorized reasons.

“I have relieved all the soldiers from their posts, including their Company Commander and the First Sergeant. The six soldiers are now facing charges before the Army’s Provost Marshal Office,” 9IB commander Lt. Col. Jun Pacatan was quoted as saying by the Army.