11 in Feb 2006 mutiny released from detention
11/03/2009 | 04:54 PM
Eleven Army and Marine officers were released from detention Tuesday after they were cleared of mutiny charges in connection with the attempt to overthrow the Arroyo government three years ago.
Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 11 were released four days after Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, the vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), signed the release order.
“Effective today, November 3, the 11 officers who were earlier acquitted by the general court martial will be finally released and this is per order which was signed by General Maclang," Brawner said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.
Ordered released were Col. Januario Caringal and Maj. Domingo Francisco Fernandez (Marines); and Lt. Col. Nestor Flordeliza, Lt. Col. Edmundo Malabanjot, Capt. Ruben Guinolbay, Capt. Frederick Sales, Capt. Allan Aurino, 1Lt. Ervin Divinagracia, 1Lt. Jacon Cordero, 1Lt. Sandro Sereno and 1lt. Richiemel Caballes (Army).
The military tribunal cleared the 11 last Oct. 15 because they were not mentioned in the documentary evidence or linked by prosecution witnesses in the Feb. 2006 uprising.
The prosecution, led by Lt. Col. Jose Feliciano Loy, attempted to re-open the case against the 11 by filing a motion for a leave of court to collate what it described as “newly-discovered" evidence. This was however junked by the court.
Eighteen officers, including former Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Medal of Valor awardee Col. Ariel Querubin, remain charged with mutiny before the general court martial. Both have expressed their intention to run for senator in next year’s elections.
The accused reportedly planned to march to EDSA Shrine on Feb. 24, 2006, join the ranks of anti-government protesters, and subsequently withdraw support from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The plan prompted President Arroyo to sign Proclamation No. 1017 that put the country under a state of emergency on February 24, 2006. This action invoked Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution, which gives her the authority to use the police and armed forces to prevent any anti-government activities or rebellion.
The proclamation was lifted on March 3, 2006 after a public outcry.
Brawner said the released soldiers could return to active duty if they choose to. - GMANews.TV
Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 11 were released four days after Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, the vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), signed the release order.
“Effective today, November 3, the 11 officers who were earlier acquitted by the general court martial will be finally released and this is per order which was signed by General Maclang," Brawner said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.
Ordered released were Col. Januario Caringal and Maj. Domingo Francisco Fernandez (Marines); and Lt. Col. Nestor Flordeliza, Lt. Col. Edmundo Malabanjot, Capt. Ruben Guinolbay, Capt. Frederick Sales, Capt. Allan Aurino, 1Lt. Ervin Divinagracia, 1Lt. Jacon Cordero, 1Lt. Sandro Sereno and 1lt. Richiemel Caballes (Army).
The military tribunal cleared the 11 last Oct. 15 because they were not mentioned in the documentary evidence or linked by prosecution witnesses in the Feb. 2006 uprising.
The prosecution, led by Lt. Col. Jose Feliciano Loy, attempted to re-open the case against the 11 by filing a motion for a leave of court to collate what it described as “newly-discovered" evidence. This was however junked by the court.
Eighteen officers, including former Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Medal of Valor awardee Col. Ariel Querubin, remain charged with mutiny before the general court martial. Both have expressed their intention to run for senator in next year’s elections.
The accused reportedly planned to march to EDSA Shrine on Feb. 24, 2006, join the ranks of anti-government protesters, and subsequently withdraw support from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The plan prompted President Arroyo to sign Proclamation No. 1017 that put the country under a state of emergency on February 24, 2006. This action invoked Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution, which gives her the authority to use the police and armed forces to prevent any anti-government activities or rebellion.
The proclamation was lifted on March 3, 2006 after a public outcry.
Brawner said the released soldiers could return to active duty if they choose to. - GMANews.TV
