The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said they will be monitoring their troops who might be involved or who plans to be involved in crimes even after their tour of duty, as it was reported that former military personnel were allegedly involved in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar told radio station DZBB that Army chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr. had already ordered an intensified monitoring, to ensure that they remain in the highest regard even after retirement or dismissal.

“We share the same concern. Nag-utos na rin po yung [Army] commanding general na si Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner na palakasin yung counterintelligence,” he said.

“Para at least yung mga ganitong kaso ay namo-monitor din natin at makagawa tayo ng precautionary measures para hindi nila magamit ang kanilang skill na natutunan sa loob ng military organization sa criminal act like this,” he added.

Aguilar explained that state troops, represented by the Army, Navy, and Air Force is now under strict monitoring especially those who are facing cases or are have gone AWOL (absent without official leave).

He added that the arrested suspects in the killing of Degamo will now face violation of Article 97 of the Articles of War or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline as well as illegal drug cases.

Joven Javier was a former sergeant that was assigned to the Light Reaction Unit of the AFP and trained for counterterrorism.

Joric Labrador on the other hand was a former sergeant who had previously served in intelligence battalion.

Benjie Rodriguez on the other hand said that the former corporal has been assigned to 35th Infantry Battalion.

Catherine R. Cueto