AFP wants all rebel soldiers reintegrated after amnesty

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday that it would prefer to reintegrate into its ranks all soldiers who took part in failed military uprisings under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, once they are granted amnesty. AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said that while the military respects President Benigno Aquino III’s decision to reintegrate only the lower-ranked soldiers—from technical sergeants down to enlisted personnel—who participated in the uprisings, the excluded soldiers could have been “added hands" to the armed forces. “The more people that can be integrated is added hands, added personalities that can help out in the total effort of the Armed Forces," he said in a press briefing in Quezon City on Friday. Malacañang on Thursday submitted to Congress Proclamation No. 75, an amended version of Proclamation No. 50 signed by Aquino last month giving amnesty to the rebel soldiers. (See: Senate, House receive amended amnesty proc for mutineers) Qualified to apply for the amnesty are those who took part in the short-lived Oakwood mutiny, the alleged February 2006 plan to overthrow the Arroyo administration, and the November 2007 occupation of the Manila Peninsula Hotel. Mabanta said that allowing all those who are given amnesty to be reintegrated into the AFP would have been “good for everyone." “Any additional members that can be returned back to the folds of the law will be good for everyone, especially for the Armed Forces which really at this point thrives on personnel strength and numbers," he said. He however added that the AFP will definitely obey orders from its commander-in-chief. Among the more prominent military personalities qualified to avail of the amnesty are former Navy lieutenant Antonio Trillanes who won a seat in the Senate in 2007; retired Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Marine Col. Ariel Querubin – who both lost in the senatorial elections last May; and former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda. Also on Friday, Senator Teofisto Guingona III said the Senate may do away with committee hearings to speed up the chamber’s concurrence with Aquino’s Proclamation No. 75. (See: Senate mulls expediting amnesty grant for mutineers)—With Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV