RP military probes ex-rebels' claim

Mon, 15 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB | Source: DPA

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.

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