The Philippine Army is currently conducting an internal investigation to identify reservists allegedly linked to the so-called private army of Apollo Quiboloy, the detained leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army spokesperson, emphasized that they will ensure that any reservists proven to be members of the alleged private army will be held accountable.
“As of now we have not identified any reservist involved in the alleged ‘Angels of Death’ but we are still waiting for the Philippine National Police official reports of their own investigation and once na mayroon na ma-involve, the Philippine Army will not hesitate to give a sanction to this alleged by a possible reservist na mai-involve,“ Dema-ala, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.
Dema-ala also said that their monitoring is part of the army’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
“But as part of our SOP, hindi lang sa Region 11 but all reservists will now be part of our continuous monitoring. We will ensure na walang involve sa illegal activities,” Dema-ala said.
Dema-ala also said that they have yet to receive any complaints or reports regarding the so-called private army.
Dema-ala also emphasized that army reservists were prohibited from joining any private army groups or participating in any illegal activities.
He added that reservists “are bound to uphold the highest standards of honor, professionalism, and duty.”
“Any actions that compromise these values will be promptly addressed through disciplinary measures or corrective actions,” he said, adding that the selection of reservists is subject to a rigorous vetting process.
Meanwhile, Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) will remain an affiliated reserve unit of the Philippine Army.
The SMNI 2nd Reservist Signal Battalion consists of 540 personnel, including 2 officers and 538 enlisted reservists, deployed in NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao. Of this number, 150 to 200 are based in Davao, where the KOJC Compound is located.
SMNI was the subject of House hearings earlier this year on alleged violations of its legislative franchise, including the alleged airing of fake news and engaging in red-tagging.
