RP military probes ex-rebels' claim

RP military probes ex-rebels' claim

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): The military opened yesterday a formal inquiry into accusations of maltreatment by former rebels undergoing training for integration into the Philippine armed forces.

The inquiry was triggered by the walkout of more than 200 former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels from their training camps June 9 after complaining that their trainers punched and kicked them during drills.

Brig. Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, an army division commander who heads the investigation, pledged to the MNLF trainees that there will be no whitewash in the probe and that trainers proven to be guilty will be punished.

Last year, a group of former MNLF rebels also stomped out of military camps in nearby Cotabato and Sulu provinces after accusing Christian military trainers of maltreatment and indiscrimination. At least two drill sergeants were dismissed after they were found guilty of physical abuse.