Rookie soldier dies during reception rites

The Philippine Army (PA) said Monday, Aug. 4, that it has relieved two ranking military officers and 19 enlisted personnel after anewly-minted soldier died during reception rites in Maguindanao del Sur last week, an incident that poses a significant test for newly appointed Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG.

The fatality was identified as Private Charlie G. Patigayon, 22, of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

A new member of the 6th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 6th Infantry Division (ID), Patigayon collapsed while undergoing exercises as part of welcoming rites for new soldiers at the headquarters of the 6th IB in Datu Piang town on July 30.

He was taken to the Camp Siongco Hospital at the 6th ID headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte but died a day later.

Patigayon's death could serve as a litmus test for Nafarrete, who has pledged to prioritize the welfare of the Army’s 110,000-strong troops under his leadership. Whether or not policy changes would be implemented to prevent a repeat of the incident would depend on the response of Nafarrete to Patigayon's death.

The Army has condoled with the family of Patigayon.