2 Soldiers Linked To Arms Depot Pilferage Are Arrested In Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 22 Jun) Two soldiers, including an army major, were arrested on charges of allegedly stealing ammunition at a major military arms depot in the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga, officials said Thursday.

Officials said two more soldiers were being investigated for their alleged involvement in the pilferage inside the Camp Arturo Enrile. "General Gabriel Habacon has ordered a thorough investigation into this pilferage, Captain Jose Ritche Pabilonia, the general's spokesman, told the Zamboanga Journal.

Habacon, the commander of military forces in the southern Philippines, also ordered an inventory of all weapons and ammunition in the depot. "We are also investigating if there are weapons missing also from the depot," Pabilonia said.

The two arrested soldiers -- Major Rauline Diploma, a supply officer, and Sgt. Benido Damacino -- both assigned with the 9th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) of the Army Support Command (ASCOM) were flown to the army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday for further investigation.

Pabilonia said investigators recovered more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition for M16 and Carbine automatic rifles and .45-caliber pistols from Diploma's room, including one M16 rifle and three .45-pistols. Damacino surrendered 500 rounds ammunition for .45-caliber pistol.

The military is also holding two more soldiers on suspicion they were involved in the pilferage, Pabilonia said. "We will not allow these things to continue," Pabilonia said.

The military is also investigating whether the stolen ammunition or weapons had been sold to terrorists or renegade soldiers trying to topple the Arroyo government. "We don't want to think about this scenario, but it is part of the ongoing investigation," Pabilonia said.

The soldiers, Pabilonia said, could be charged with treason among others. "The public are advised not to buy any military hardware because purchase of such is punishable by law. The ammunition might fall into the hands of terrorists, insurgents and lawless elements. The AFP doesn’t tolerate any scalawags within its ranks," Pabilonia said.

Army commanders on Thursday have warned soldiers to stay loyal on their jobs, and not to steal or sell their weapons to gun syndicates or enemies.