Soldiers accused of looting during Zamboanga crisis face court martial

MANILA, Philippines — Five military personnel are facing court martial after being accused of looting the house of a local official in Zamboanga City at the height of the three-week crisis last September.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala confirmed that a court martial proceeding is ongoing but could not immediately give other details, such as the charges.

“The court martial proceeding, first of all, is due process for them because they are accused and this is a chance for them to defend themselves,” he said.

He emphasized that this kind of “wrongdoing” is not tolerated in the military.

The names of the Army soldiers were not given, but the list includes four enlisted personnel and one officer with a rank of First Lieutenant.

“They have rights as individuals and they are innocent until proven guilty. We are giving them a chance to explain and defend themselves,” Zagala said.

If proven guilty, the minimum punishment would be discharge from service, while an imprisonment is the maximum punishment.

The military personnel are currently detained at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

Last September, soldiers reported their fellow soldiers allegedly looting the house of Councilor BG Guingona in Sta. Catalina.

The investigation said the items looted were returned, such as guns and personal items.

Thousands of troops were deployed to Zamboanga City last September to battle the rogue elements of Moro National Liberation Front. At least 200 people had been killed in the fighting.

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