TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A soldier fled Chenggongling Camp (成功嶺) on Sunday evening (May 26), marking the second such incident during the mandatory one-year service period this year. The deserter, identified only by his surname Chao, reportedly forced a friend out of a car at knifepoint before making his escape.
This incident has raised concerns about the pressures faced by young men during their service and the security measures at military facilities.
Chao, who resides in Yunlin (雲林) when not on duty, is believed to have committed the carjacking due to gambling debts, according to statements from his family.
Following the incident, his unit promptly contacted his relatives. The family, upon learning of the situation, immediately alerted the authorities. The Wuri Precinct (烏日分局), Taichung City Police Department, and the National Highway Police Bureau (國道警察局) have since deployed significant resources to apprehend Zhao.
The police are currently in pursuit of Chao, with the details of the case still under investigation. This latest escape underscores the challenges and potential vulnerabilities within the military service system, prompting a closer examination of the support and oversight provided to conscripts.
As the search continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mandatory military service and the impact of personal issues on national security.