PA says 5 soldiers in Zamboanga City looting incident still detained

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): PA says 5 soldiers in Zamboanga City looting incident still detained
  
The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that the five soldiers involved in a looting incident in Zamboanga City during the height of the 20-day crisis are still detained and under investigation.

The five are now being held at the Army Custodial Center at PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

"Though the PA is serious in employing due sanctions and punishment to erring personnel, it still believes that the five Army personnel are still entitled to due process and the benefit of a fair investigation," Army deputy public affairs chief Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

At present, the investigating team is in the process of interviewing witnesses before it can conclude the investigation and determine the culpability of the accused soldiers.

Bacus added that it shall also seek legal opinion from the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office.

"If there exists probable cause that would warrant the filing of administrative cases against the five, then the case shall be referred to the General Court Martial," he stressed.

As a matter of procedure and for security reasons, the PA decided not to disclose yet the names of the accused.

"The PA maintains that it would not tolerate any acts perpetrated by its personnel that will affect the integrity and reputation of the entire institution. If proven guilty, the accused shall be dealt with proper sanction accordingly," Bacus pointed out.

Guided by the Army Transformation Road map, the PA continues to implement institutional changes to ensure, among others, discipline among the troops.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=583620