Philippine army launches probe into abuse video

A group of soldiers were shown kicking, punching a militant

The Philippine military said yesterday it had launched an investigation after a group of soldiers were shown on video punching and kicking a suspected Islamic militant during the just-ended battle in southern Marawi city.

The video, aired by GMA television late Thursday showed a mud-splattered captive, dressed only in shorts, surrounded by soldiers in Marawi, where a fivemonth battle between troops and Daesh followers ended this week. As the captive is taken away with his hands being held behind his back, some of the soldiers rushed towards him, punching and kicking him.

Military spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla, commenting on the video on Friday, said an investigation into the incident was underway to find out who was involved. “The armed forces (are) very strict regarding the treatment of captives in a conflict situation,” Padilla told reporters.