KIAMBA, SARANGANI — Private First Class Khen Subere denied he has gone Awol (absent without official leave) from the military during his capture by the New People’s Army a month ago.
On June 3, Mrs. Lucia Subere, mother of Pfc. Subere who was assigned in Maasin, Sarangani, told the members of the press that she was informed by her son’s colleagues that her son went out of the camp to withdraw money from his automated teller machine account at 7:00 am of April 11.
From that day, he was not able to return, Mrs. Subere said.
The Army said Subere “failed to return to his unit in Sarangani after the termination of a Day Pass”.
Subere “was marked Absent Without Official Leave (Awol)” effective April 13, 2015, 27th IB Commander Lt. Col. Ronald Jess Alcudia said.
“Efforts were exerted by his superiors and classmates to locate him, and convince him to return to duty. Pfc. Subere, however, refused by saying he will not return anymore as he was tired of continuing with his military service,” Alcudia said in a text message.
Subere, however, clarified that he was visiting a relative before his capture by the NPAs.
“I was visiting a relative in T’boli last April 11, the next day the NPA captured me,” said Subere, a radio operator for the Army’s 27th IB.
Alcudia added that in accordance with their policies regarding Awol, Subere was Dropped From the Roster of Troops (DRFT) effective April 23, 2015.
“As he has clearly communicated his disinterest to continue his military service, the 27th IB considers his status as a desertion, and an investigation in-absentia has been initiated,” he said.
Subere, during his release on Saturday, said he expects the Army would declare him Awol as per their policy if soldiers would not initiate contact in three days.
Subere said he hopes Army higher-ups would give his last salary and other benefits.
His sister, Klaudhen, said they believe “he worked for it, he deserves it.”
Khen’s father, Dan, said they were informed that Khen was declared Awol but no one told them he was captured by the NPA.
Mr. Subere said since graduating from a two-year college course, his son tried and left many jobs. He said Khen failed to pass the first time he took Army exams.
“He took it the second time and passed. Besides, we are very poor. We will not live if he will not have work,” he said.
However, Subere’s family do not want him to go back to Army service. Mr. Subere said they “do not want him to apply in the Army.”
But, Pfc. Subere is unsure of what to do next. He said he wants to spend time with his family.
Davao City Mayor and Regional Peace and Order Council chair, Rodrigo Duterte said he would take Subere as part of his security detail.
Duterte received Subere from the NPAs at Barangay Tamadong around 3:00 pm. A short program for the release started 12:55 pm. Duterte arrived on a helicopter around 2:27 pm and left for Davao City after Subere’s release. (davaotoday.com)
