The women's group Gabriela has condemned the alleged attempted rape by a high-ranking AFP officer on his two assistants. According to Gabriela Secretary-General Clarice Palce, the incident is proof of serious violence within the military.
The complaint originated on January 29, 2025, after the officer and the two staff members attended an event that lasted until dawn. When they returned to the officer's official residence, the unwelcome conduct allegedly took place there. The next day, the two staff members immediately filed a complaint with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) and the Prosecutor's Office.
Palce stressed that this is not the first report of abuse within the military. He said, “If officers can abuse their own staff, what about the common people, especially those in rural areas?”
Palce added that there is a pattern of sexual abuse within the AFP, and these are not "isolated cases." Among the incidents linked is the case in Southern Tagalog, where a 15-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and raped by members of the CAFGU.
Gabriela calls for immediately holding military officials accountable for abusing their power. According to the group, there should be no room in society for those who abuse their positions.
