Manila, Aug. 4 -- The Philippine Army (PA) is investigating the death of a rookie soldier, supposedly during reception rites at his unit in Maguindanao del Norte last week, an official said Monday.

In a message to reporters, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said two officers and 19 enlisted personnel have been relieved amid the ongoing investigation.

According to reports, Pvt. Charlie Patigayon, 22, was undergoing reception rites with other soldiers at the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat when he collapsed on July 30.

Patigayon, a native of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, died the following day.

Reception rites are a series of exercises new soldiers are instructed to do when reporting to their...