PH Army stops 'reception ceremonies' after soldier's death in Maguindanao del Sur

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete has ordered a stop to the conduct of “reception ceremonies” after a soldier died in Maguindanao del Sur.

“While doing some review, so mayroon siyang instruction na i-stop muna yung mga reception ceremonies within the Philippine Army. Yung ginagawa ng mga units natin na pagre-receive ng mga bagong report na mga sundalo. So yun yung pinatigil niya,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala told reporters Wednesday.

(While doing some review, he had an instruction to stop reception ceremonies within the Philippine Army for now. That's what our units do when they receive new reports of soldiers. So that's what he stopped.)

Dema-ala pointed out reception ceremonies were supposed to be just parties but an unwritten tradition included more activities such as exercises.

Two Philippine Army officers have been relieved from their posts amid the investigation into the death of Private Charlie G. Patigayon on July 30. They are now in the custody of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID).

According to the Philippine Army, 21 enlisted personnel are also among those being investigated.

The 6ID said Patigayon collapsed during a “traditional reception activity” held at the unit's headquarters. 

“Reception rites - long observed as a tradition to welcome new members into the military community - must be conducted with utmost consideration for the health and safety of our soldiers,” the 6ID said. 

“These activities must remain within the bounds of existing military policies and regulations. Any deviation or breach that compromises the welfare of personnel is subject to disciplinary action,” it added. 

The soldier was immediately brought to the nearest hospital and placed under intensive medical care but he was declared dead the following day, according to the 6ID.

Dema-ala said the concerned battalion commander was unaware of the activities in the reception ceremony because these were just initiated by the involved company.

“Yung battalion may tatlong companies ‘yan. Bawat companies may mga nag-report ng mga bagong privates. But however, yung dalawang company, hindi nag-conduct ng reception,” Dema-ala said.

“(That battalion has three companies. Each company has new privates. But however, the two companies did not conduct the reception.)

“So ito lang yung nag-conduct. So kumbaga hindi siya sanctioned, hindi alam. Kumbaga walang utos yung battalion na mag-conduct kayo ng reception. Kumbaga nag-initiative lang itong isang company na ito,” he added’.

(So this is the only company who conducted it. So it seems it was not sanctioned. It seems the battalion had no order to conduct the reception. It seems this one company just took the initiative.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News