The military's General Court Martial has convened to hear the sexual assault case filed against a high-ranking official in the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

In a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military's investigation into the case is ongoing.

"We have convened a special general court martial for the case stated. The investigations and trials are ongoing as of this time," she said.

Padilla noted that the AFP is closely monitoring the progress of the case.

"We'll keep you posted once the final results of the case and verdict have been released," she told defense reporters.

The accused PAF official remains in AFP custody, pending the outcome of proceedings in civilian courts where separate sexual assault cases have been filed.

"This is in tandem with a civilian court. So, in terms of the military, whatever is required by the civilian courts, the military will cooperate accordingly," Padilla added.

She gave assurance that the AFP will fully comply should a civilian court issue a warrant of arrest, commitment order, or any other legal directive against the official.

The alleged sexual assault occurred on 29 June at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.

CCTV footage obtained by the media shows a black van arriving at the base around 5:30 AM, carrying PAF personnel returning from a night out. Among them was the major general, who appeared intoxicated and had to be assisted by fellow soldiers to reach his quarters.

Nearly three hours later, another CCTV clip showed two male soldiers emerging from the official’s quarters in tears.

Shortly afterward, their lieutenant arrived, and they immediately reported the incident.

The two junior officers alleged that the major general took advantage of them.

They filed a formal complaint the next day with the military’s Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA).

According to their affidavit, the major general instructed them to sleep in his quarters, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

The complainants said the respondent told them the three would share the same bed. He then began undressing and asked why they were "still standing there."

The complainants alleged they were ordered to engage in sexual acts with the respondent, while another PAF personnel — pretending to be asleep — secretly recorded the incident.

They said they suffered severe trauma and sought help from lawyers through the Supreme Court’s Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS).

In his counter-affidavit, the major general denied the allegations and claimed that the two soldiers were strong enough to resist him.

He also denied possessing any firearm or bladed weapon and insisted he did not use force or issue threats.

The accused stressed that the complainants “could have easily left the room as they had free access to the door, or used force to prevent the unlawful act.”

The senior official is facing trial under Articles of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman) and 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).

Padilla said the case involves rape through sexual assault under Article 96 and attempted rape through sexual assault under Article 97.

The general court martial proceedings are expected to conclude within six months, although this could be extended depending on the case’s complexity, the availability of witnesses, and legal motions filed.

Aside from the administrative charges, the two junior officers have also filed criminal complaints of rape and attempted rape through sexual assault before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Lipa City.