Court martial begins rape trial of PAF general

MANILA, Philippines — A special criminal court martial has been convened to hear the sexual assault charge filed against a Philippine Air Force (PAF) general, the military confirmed yesterday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the investigation and trial of the general are ongoing.

The accused general remains under restrictive custody, Padilla said.

She assured the public that the AFP will release updates as soon as a verdict is issued.

Rape and misconduct complaints have been filed by two junior military officers against the general.

According to Padilla, the charges filed before the special court martial has a counterpart civilian case.

“If a court orders that the PAF general be placed in a civilian jail, the military will comply,” Padilla said.

The military withheld the names of the general as well as the complainants for privacy and security reasons.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad has said investigators found evidence to recommend general court martial proceedings against the PAF official.