MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formed a special body to investigate the case of dismissed Philippine Military (PMA) Cadet 1st Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia.
AFP Public Affairs Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a radio interview that the team already proceeded to the PMA in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City to inquire on whether Cudia deserved the sanction.
"Although the Cudia family has yet to submit their written appeal, upon the instruction of the President, the board has already started its investigation so that a basis can be determine on whether an investigation is needed," Zagala said.
He explained that the new investigating board is different from the one that looked into Cudia's first appeal.
The young military hopeful was dismissed from his batch and missed last Sunday's graduation rites for allegedly lying why he was late in class for two minutes. Lying is considered a violation of the academy's honor code, which punishes cadets with immediate dismissal.
Zagala said the investigation body is led by Major General Crisologo Nayve, AFP deputy chief of staff for communication and electronic and information system.
Representatives from various offices of the military, namely the AFP Inspector General's Office, Judge Advocate General Office, Office of Ethical Standards and Accountability and Provost Marshall, form part of the group.
Cudia's case was followed by the media after his sister Annavee posted a viral Facebook message recounting the academy's supposed mistreatment of her brother.