Trillanes 'relaxed' after spending 1st night at in-laws' house

Less than 24 hours after he gained his temporary liberty, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV appeared relaxed after a night's stay at his in-laws' house in Antipolo City Tuesday. A report by radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen said Trillanes, wearing a shirt and denim pants, smiled and waved to journalists outside his in-laws' house Tuesday morning. The report quoted Trillanes' cousin Edwin Gabriel as saying that the senator expects to have a happy Christmas with his loved ones now that he is released from detention after seven years. It added Trillanes' relatives prepared a hearty breakfast for him and his family. In an interview on Unang Balita on Tuesday, Trillanes said his freedom after seven years in detention has been a pleasant surprise, adding it will take time before he could fully recover his "bearings."
When asked about his realizations while in detention, Trillanes said he has learned to value patience and developed a character for public service. Also, he thanked his supporters and promised to render real service to the people. On Monday afternoon, a Makati court granted Trillanes' temporary release. The senator, a former Navy official, was involved in at least two alleged attempts to overthrow the Arroyo administration. He has been detained since July 2003, following the so-called Oakwood mutiny. He stepped out of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center past 9:30 p.m. Monday and went to his in-laws' house. Trillanes' lawyer Reynaldo Robles said Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has issued a letter accepting custody of Trillanes, and even sent representatives from the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to witness the release. On the other hand, Trillanes thanked President Benigno Aquino III for Proclamation No. 75, which granted amnesty to military and police personnel involved in coup attempts during the Arroyo administration. Trillanes had been detained after joining more than 300 soldiers in seizing Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott) in Makati City on July 27, 2003. At the time, they were demanding the resignation of, among others, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who they accused of corruption. In the May 2007 elections, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for the opposition. He became the first Philippine senator to be elected while in detention. On Nov. 29, 2007, Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and other Magdalo officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo. They then headed to The Peninsula Manila Hotel corner Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in Makati and seized its second floor. The siege ended when government troops forced their way into the hotel and arrested Trillanes and Lim – Faeldon eluded the authorities. Faeldon eventually yielded to authorities in July this year. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV