Navy probes former goodwill ambassador over criminal charges

The Philippine Navy on Wednesday, 11 November, said it was conducting an administrative investigation into reservist Petty Officer Second Class Kristine Ann Lim, its former goodwill ambassador for culture and arts, following her arrest in Marikina City over obscenity-related charges.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Arlene Martinez said Lim had already been reprimanded and indefinitely suspended from participating in Active Duty Training (ADT) because of pending cases outside the organization.

"The Navy clarifies that, prior to the incident, PO2 Lim had already been formally reprimanded and placed under indefinite administrative suspension from participation in Active Duty Training (ADT) in connection with pending cases outside the organization. Under existing military regulations, she remains ineligible for ADT until all pending cases and complaints, whether administrative, civil, or criminal, have been resolved or finally disposed of by the appropriate authorities," the Navy said.

Lim was arrested on 9 November at the Marikina Justice Hall in Barangay Santa Elena under a warrant issued by Branch 165 of the Marikina Regional Trial Court.

Police said she was facing three criminal cases involving alleged violations of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers certain offenses involving obscene publications, exhibitions and indecent shows.

The warrant carried recommended bail totaling P216,000.

The Navy said it was coordinating with police authorities to verify the circumstances surrounding Lim's arrest.

"The Navy upholds the rule of law and expects all personnel, including reservists, to observe the highest standards of discipline and accountability. Further information will be provided as appropriate once the facts have been established," the PN statement read.

Although the criminal complaints fall under the jurisdiction of civilian authorities, the Navy said it was separately examining whether Lim violated military rules and regulations.

"While the recent arrest concerns a private legal matter under the jurisdiction of civilian authorities, the Philippine Navy is also conducting a parallel administrative investigation to determine whether any violations of military rules and regulations have occurred. Should any violation be established, appropriate administrative action, including possible discharge from the Reserve Force, may be pursued in accordance with due process," it added.

Lim was conferred the title of Philippine Navy goodwill ambassador for culture and arts in August 2024 in recognition of her cultural advocacy and participation in civil-military activities.

Martinez said the Navy would continue monitoring developments in the case while maintaining its standards of discipline and accountability among regular personnel and reservists.

The administrative investigation is separate from the criminal proceedings, and Lim remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.