5 soldiers jailed for looting Zamboanga councilor's house

From InterAksyon (Sep 24): 5 soldiers jailed for looting Zamboanga councilor's house

Five soldiers were arrested and sent to the stockade for looting the home of Zamboanga City Councilor BG Guingona.

Armed Force public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said the five, who he did not name but described as “young” enlisted personnel, were reported by fellow soldiers who saw them take valuables from Guingona’s residence at the height of the fighting against Moro National Liberation Front rebels in Barangay Sta. Catalina on September 20.

“Last Sept. 20 we received a report from our unit in the field that they saw soldiers looting. The chief of staff (Gen. Emmanuel Bautista) ordered (an) investigation and for them to be arrested,” he said.

Three of the soldiers were initially arrested and, in the course of investigation, they identified two more companions who were subsequently arrested.

Zagala said the soldiers returned their loot, including guns and personal items.

“They will undergo due process and undergo court martial proceedings for the things they have done. The chief of staff, Gen. Bautista, will not tolerate such misbehavior.
This is a breach of discipline,” Zagala said.

“But at the same time we are glad that the report came from soldiers rather than someone (else),” he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71434/5-soldiers-jailed-for-looting-zamboanga-councilors-house