AFP wrapping up probe on troops tagged in Zamboanga looting

MANILA, Philippines - The military is wrapping up its probe on five soldiers implicated in a looting incident during the height of the Zamboanga crisis.

The five soldiers – one officer and four enlisted personnel – are now undergoing pre-trial investigation to determine if they will face the military tribunal.

“The Army Provost Marshal is wrapping up the investigation on the looting incident so that they can make their recommendation to the commanding-general of the Philippine Army,” Armed Forces deputy public affairs chief Maj. Angelo Guzman told reporters on Tuesday.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes will decide whether the five soldiers will undergo formal trial.

“This is a chance for them to defend themselves. At the same time, this is our way of  putting into check any wrongdoing by any of our personnel. We do not tolerate that,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in an interview.

He gave assurance that the soldiers, whose identities are still under wraps, would undergo due process.

The five soldiers were accused of looting the house of the uncle of Zamboanga City Councilor BG Guingona while operations against the Moro National Liberation Front Misuari faction are ongoing.

The suspects were reportedly caught by fellow soldiers in Barangay Sta. Catalina, one of the areas affected by the Zamboanga crisis.

Official previously said that the soldiers might be charged before the military court for conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. They also clarified that the soldiers’ actions do not represent the ideals and disposition of the military.

The court martial process does not prevent the filing of criminal cases against the soldiers. The Guingonas, however, has reportedly decided not to file a separate case against the suspects.