Soldier released recently by the rebels faces dismissal from service

CAMP PANACAN,Davao City, May 26 (PIA) A military officer has recommended the dismissal from service of a soldier who was recently freed by the rebels for breakdown of discipline.

Lt. Colonel Roberto Bunagan, commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion identified the respondent as Corporal Rogelio Rosales who was released by the rebels in May 19 through Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

The rebels abducted Rosales in May 3 while on his way to Sitio Tagpopoot, Barangay Florida, Kapalong. Davao del Norte.

During his release, the rebels publicized his alleged use of illegal drugs and complicity to the illegal logging activities in the area.

The rebels even presented to Duterte a sachet of shabu recovered allegedly from Rosales’ possession.

This incident prompted the military to conduct a deeper investigation.

Bunagan said based on their investigation that Rosales in a sworn statement admitted his use of illegal drugs.

He said the infraction is a violation of the Articles of War 97, being an act “prejudicial to good orders and military discipline and discredits the entire organization.”

“Rosales already admitted to the use of illegal drugs in a sworn statement during his investigation. This is a very grave offense with a correspondingly grave punishment in an organization with such a sensitive responsibility towards the people,” Bunagan pointed.

Rosales however denied any involvement in illegal logging activities which his captors also publicized during his release.

Bunagan said that despite the negative result on the drug and urine test on Rosales, he could still be liable for administrative offense.

Lieutenant Colonel Norman Zuniega, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said that every quarter, soldiers undergo random-drug-test quarterly and corresponding punishment had been meted against troops found positive for drug use.

“Our soldiers go through random drug testing, and each one is subjected to testing at least once per quarter. We have already caught and punished soldiers in the past through these tests,” he said.

Captain Ernest Carolina, public affairs officer of the 10th ID said Rosales’ recommendation for dismissal from service is still subject for approval by the higher command of the military.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)