Two Philippine Army officers and at least 19 enlisted personnel were relieved from their post after a newly recruited soldier collapsed and died during military reception rites in Maguindanao del Norte last week, an Army official said Monday.

Major June Mark Matugas, 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer, said a company commander, a platoon leader and 19 enlisted personnel were relieved from their post to give way for the ongoing investigation on the death of Private Charlie Patigayon.

Matugas said Patigayon was rushed to Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato City after he collapsed during the reception rites in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte Thursday.

"He was admitted there at the Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato, then the next day around 11:00 am he was declared dead," he said.

Matugas explained that the reception rites are "a traditional way of welcoming the newly reported enlisted personnel. It's more on authorized exercises and after that they are being welcomed which is covered by the set of rules and regulations of the Army."

He noted that based on the initial findings, Patigayon died due to kidney failure but his parents requested an autopsy.

"The autopsy will be done in Region 10 because they are from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. So as of now Private Patigayon is in the mortuary of the 6the ID but after he will be brought to Lanao del Norte, PNP Region 10 was requested to conduct the autopsy," said Matugas.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesman, said "in strict adherence to the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, the Philippine Army upholds a zero-tolerance policy against any practices that endanger the safety and well-being of its personnel."

"We assure Pvt. Patigayon’s family that the Philippine Army is committed to pursuing justice. Should the investigation confirm wrongdoing, those responsible will be held fully accountable under the military justice system and all applicable laws," he said. Robina Asido/DMS