PH Army holds 12 Cafgu trainees from graduation amid assault probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army has withheld the graduation of 12 Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) trainees while investigating allegations that an instructor physically assaulted recruits during training at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Col. Michael Aquino, public affairs chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said on Wednesday that the trainees involved in the investigation would remain on hold pending the probe’s outcome.

“As of the moment, we have 12 who are supposed to graduate, who are training. They are civilian volunteers,” Aquino said in an interview with reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. “When there’s an investigation, they will be held first because the investigation is being finished.”

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Aquino stressed that the move was part of existing military procedures and did not mean the trainees committed any violation.

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“If there are no infractions, they will graduate,” he said, adding that the Army wants a “swift, thorough and fair investigation.”

The Army is investigating reports that several trainees were allegedly assaulted by an instructor inside their barracks on Monday night following a sanctioned activity at a division training school in Camp Capinpin.

The recruits are part of the CAA structure, now integrated into the military’s National Guard framework under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ “Total Force” concept.

Aquino said the affected trainees are part of a graduating class of about 200 volunteers undergoing training at the division school.

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The remaining trainees proceeded with Wednesday’s graduation ceremony, while the 12 covered by the investigation will have their graduation status determined after the probe is completed.

READ: Cafgu era ends in Southern Tagalog

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Instructor isolated

Aquino said the instructor identified in the complaint, a sergeant, has been “isolated” from other personnel.

“Meaning, he’s segregated to give way for the investigation,” Aquino said, clarifying that the instructor has not been suspended.

Aquino said investigators are examining what transpired, why the incident allegedly occurred and whether aggravating or mitigating circumstances were involved.

Initial information gathered by the Army indicated that trainees were being called to formation when some were allegedly slow to respond to commands, prompting the instructor’s reaction.

“That’s the initial gathering,” Aquino said, while emphasizing that the Army has yet to determine the facts.

READ: Army instructor probed for allegedly assaulting National Guard trainees

He noted that military training includes disciplinary measures for infractions but said any action taken must conform to Army standards and regulations.

“There are limitations when it comes to discipline,” Aquino said. “The Army is very strict with that.”

The Army has yet to determine whether trainees sustained injuries, although Aquino said medical evaluations would form part of the investigation, particularly if there were visible signs of maltreatment.

“We don’t have that information yet,” he said when asked whether medical assessments had already been completed.

Aquino rejected suggestions that complainants would face retaliation or be denied graduation for reporting the incident.

“The Army will be fair to everybody. We want justice. Justice will be served,” he said.

He said trainees cleared by the investigation would still be eligible to receive certificates and complete their training, while any disciplinary action would depend on the probe’s findings.

If the allegations are substantiated, Aquino said possible sanctions against those responsible could range from demotion to discharge from the service, depending on the severity of the offense.

“The perpetrators will be answerable,” he said.

The investigation was launched after allegations aired by DZRH News that several graduating trainees were kicked and struck by an instructor inside their barracks after a fellowship activity that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday.

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Some recruits allegedly suffered injuries but were reluctant to file complaints for fear of affecting their graduation. /mcm