Manipulated photo of ex-rebels ‘unacceptable’ – Defense Sec. Lorenzana

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2019 07:47:23 +0000

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered an investigation into the deliberate photo manipulation of alleged rebel-surrenderers by a unit of the Philippine Army in the Bicol Region, as the embarrassing blunder reached the military leadership.

“I have directed the CG [commanding general] Army [Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay] to make an inquiry. Sanctions will be meted to those who perpetrated it,” Lorenzana said on Saturday night.

According to him, the issue was “very serious” because it “undermines the efforts” of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in fighting the 51-year problem on communist insurgency in the country.

“The military is doing well, enjoying an unprecedented high trust rating from the people. And now this? This action is unacceptable,” he said.

Meanwhile, General Noel Clement, AFP chief of staff, also called for a thorough probe on the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID) to determine the origin of the manipulated photo.

“We uphold the highest standards in reporting and delivering information to the public, and everyone adheres to it as our credibility, no less, is at stake,” said Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson.

Arevalo maintained that it is a well-settled policy in the AFP for ranking officials to review and validate any materials, may it be a statement or a photo, that will be released to the media for public consumption.

He assured the public that military personnel who committed any infraction will be punished.

Reacting to the calls for an investigation, the Philippine Army said axe will fall on the military personnel who committed lapses in the conduct of their duty.

“We will investigate this matter and hold whoever is accountable to face the appropriate sanctions,&#
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