Army probes death of soldier at reception rite

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — At least 21 soldiers were placed under restrictive custody following the death of a private during a reception rite over the weekend, the Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division said.

Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, 6th ID commander, ordered an inquiry into the trooper’s death, aside from placing the 21 under restriction.

The 21, all members of the 6th Infantry Battalion under the 601st Infantry Brigade, were tagged as responsible for the death of Pvt. Charlie Patigayon.

Patigayon and several other privates were allegedly subjected to a physically taxing military reception procedure at Camp Siongco. Patigayon was rushed to a hospital in Cotabato City after complaining of difficulty in breathing and then fainting.