“The culture of violence and abuse inside the AFP only shows the deeply entrenched machismo and impunity in the institution.”

Trigger warning: mentions of rape, violence

MANILA – For grassroots alliances, the rape complaint against a high-ranking military official is not a mere “dishonor” but a result of power dynamics.

“If the military officials can abuse their junior officers, how can the ordinary women and children, especially in the rural area, defend themselves?” Clarice Palce, secretary-general of Gabriela, asked in a statement. “The power dynamics within the military create conditions where violence against women flourishes with impunity!”

Two junior officers serving in the office of a high-ranking military official filed rape complaints before a prosecutor’s office due to a sexual assault and attempted rape of their superior, according to a report of Inquirer.net. The incident reportedly occurred on Jan. 29 and an earlier military investigation found supporting evidence.

“The totality of Respondent’s actions violates moral, ethical, and professional standards of military officers. His conduct demonstrates a lack of respect for others and an abuse of authority, bringing dishonor to the military profession,” said a military report dated Feb. 26, 2025, as retrieved by Inquirer.net.

Children’s rights alliance Salinlahi said that the case is not just a “dishonor” to the institution. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), whose duty is serve and protect the welfare of the Filipino people, “[has] historically been the most notorious perpetrators of sexual violence,” citing a report of Karapatan-Quezon about the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl by elements of AFP’s 59th Infantry Battalion.

Read: 15-year-old girl says soldiers abducted, raped her

A decade ago, the southern Mindanao chapter of Gabriela also reported rape cases perpetrated by the military personnel belonging to the 84th Infantry Battalion.

Read: Military encampment of communities results in violence against women – group says

“Paulit-ulit naming sinasabi na hindi ito pawang isolated cases. The pattern of abuse extends from the highest ranks down to field operations,” Palce said. Gabriela documented numerous cases of sexual violence perpetrated by state forces throughout the country, particularly rampant in highly militarized communities.

The women’s group said that violence against women by uniformed personnel is deeply rooted in the patriarchal and militaristic culture within institutions like the AFP. This culture normalizes violence and protects perpetrators through a code of silence and intimidation.

“The culture of violence and abuse inside the AFP only shows the deeply entrenched machismo and impunity in the institution,” Palce said. “Many victims remain silent due to fear of retribution, especially when their abusers are powerful men with weapons and institutional backing.”

Gabriela and Salinlahi demanded that the AFP be accountable not just to the junior officers but also to the women and children victims of state-perpetrated violence. The military official, meanwhile, is currently relieved from his post and is under restricted custody. (DAA)