MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Scout Rangers was reprimanded and restricted to quarters after hitting a civilian in Negros Occidental.
Maj. Enrico Ileto, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said Sgt. Rolando Bolon violated the military’s code of conduct that requires soldiers to respect and protect civilians against ill treatment.
Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd ID, said Bolon was accused of punching a civilian on the stomach last Aug. 15 in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
“We will never allow and we will never condone such an incident to happen,” Mabanta said.
The military’s investigation revealed that Bolon violated the rules on how to deal with civilians.
Lt. Col. Oriel Pangcog, chief of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, has restricted Bolon to their camp for 60 days. The sanction would entail the suspension of Bolon’s leaves and liberty privileges.
Bolon was also reprimanded, which would make him unqualified for promotion for one year.
The sanctions, however, would not prejudice the possible filing of administrative and civil cases against him.
”He will also be required to undergo seminars and training related to upholding of human rights, the International Humanitarian Law and rule of law while confined at the camp,” Ileto said.