Military official accused of sexual harassment — AFP

A high-ranking military official accused of sexually harassing two junior officers is currently under house arrest, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Wednesday.

In a phone interview, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the case is undergoing an internal investigation after a prima facie case was established, warranting further legal action.

"The accused senior officer was immediately relieved of his post upon the filing of the complaints. [Our] subject officer has been placed under house arrest inside a military camp," Padilla said.

She added that the official will face trial under Articles of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman) and 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).

“The alleged acts include rape through sexual assault for one complainant, and attempted rape through sexual assault for the other,” Padilla said.

Padilla emphasized that the AFP has reinforced its internal systems related to discipline, accountability, and values education.

"This includes intensified values formation programs... leadership training and we reinforce[d] our reporting and grievance mechanisms," she said.

She reiterated the AFP’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

"In the AFP, we have established rules and regulations upon entry, and we have our followers for that. Over and above that, we are very heavy on implementing our gender and development down the line, we are cascading that. As this is an ongoing case, we will see how this goes forth and what needs to be changed," Padilla noted.

Padilla said the two junior officers involved in the case are under the administrative custody of the concerned AFP service unit and are being given the support they need.

"We will do the necessary measures to protect our officers and we have measures like psychological support... as well. Whatever needs to be done to improve their condition, we will give it to them," she stressed.

Civilian vs military jurisdiction

Asked about possible criminal charges in civilian court, Padilla said the AFP will defer to civilian jurisdiction if charges are filed.

"As a general rule, if a criminal case is filed in a civilian court, the AFP defers to the court’s authority regarding custody."

However, under Article of War 75, the AFP may retain custody of personnel facing military charges or awaiting trial under military law.

Padilla also clarified that military and civilian courts operate under different jurisdictions.

The General Court Martial, she noted, addresses violations of the Articles of War and military regulations. While the civilian court handles offenses penalized under the Revised Penal Code, other special penal laws, or local government ordinances.

"So if there are different outcomes, both verdicts will stand independently. Appropriate legal remedies may be pursued within each respective discipline," she added.

Padilla said the case is now awaiting the signature of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who serves as the convening authority for a General Court Martial.

She noted that court martial proceedings typically take months but may be extended depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of witnesses, and the legal motions that may be filed.