07 February 2008

DETERIORATING DISCIPLINE AMONG DETAINED OFFICERS

      High security risk! This is the assessment given to those detained officers at the AFP Custodial and Detention Center in Tanay, Rizal who were involved in the commotion on February 1, 2008. The ungentlemanly, impolite and offensive behavior shown by Colonel Ariel Querubin and Colonel Orlando De Leon towards their military guards has manifested a worsening discipline among the ranks of officers who are now facing charges for attempting to create a mutiny and conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. As a result of this incident, the AFP is looking at charging these officers for possible violation of the Articles of War and other related laws. Likewise, a review is being made for a possible curtailment of their privileges to prevent these officers from repeating the same misconduct.

      In an incident report submitted to the General Headquarters AFP, Col Arnulfo J Marcos, Commander of the AFPCDC related how MGEN Renato Miranda, Col Ariel Querubin and Col Orlando De Leon refused to attend the GCM2 hearing scheduled on 01 February 2008 at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City claiming that they were sick and that they have their rights. The incident report also recounted how co-accused Ltc Archilles Segumalian, Captain Montano Almodovar and Captain Frederick Sales prevented the senior officers from being brought out of the detention center.

      A medical doctor was immediately brought in to verify the real health condition of Col Querubin. After examination, Col Querubin was found fit to travel and was issued the appropriate medical certificate. However, he still resisted to be brought out of the main detention facility, punching Col Marcos several times on the left hand, abdomen and chest areas. Captain Almodovar who was also present during the incident started smashing plastic chairs on the floor while shouting profane language and threatening words at the security escorts. Captain Sales joined the foray and also started shouting profane language and threatening words at the security escorts.

      When the time came for Col De Leon to be brought out of the detention center, he also resisted. He held unto a roughly-made wooden table, leaving minor bruises on his arms. This time, Captain Sales kicked one of the guards and again shouted profane language and threatening words at the security escorts, prompting the latter to vacate the main detention facility. Col De Leon then complained of dizziness. Another medical doctor was brought in to check on Col De Leon. After being examined Col De Leon was also found fit to travel and was issued the appropriate medical certificate.

      This misconduct shown by these officers manifested their desperate attempt to defy authorities and delay the ongoing proceedings of the GCM2. They deliberately refused to attend the scheduled GCM2 hearing. Being military officers, they knowingly and intentionally disobeyed the legal orders of a superior officer (i.e. the presiding officer); and being detainees, showed grave disrespect to the rule of law and to the honorable court.