Alleged mutineers Lim, Miranda apply for amnesty

Two former ranking military officers implicated in attempts to overthrow the Arroyo administration applied for amnesty Tuesday, nine days before the application period ends. The two were former Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda. Both now occupy positions in the government, with Miranda as head of Task Force Kalikasan, an anti-illegal logging task force, and Lim as consultant of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Lim and Miranda were the only remaining officers facing court martial for mutiny in connection with the February 2006 attempt to overthrow the Arroyo government. Lim is also facing a separate mutiny case before another military tribunal for his involvement in the November 2007 siege of the Manila Peninsula Hotel. Aside from Lim and Miranda, nine other civilians and former soldiers applied for amnesty Tuesday. They were retired Cols. Rafael Galvez, Jake Malajacan, Alan Paje, and civilians Jaime Regalario, Jose Albert Araneta, Jose Christopher Belmonte and Jason Malajacan.

The committee also received via mail the applications of former Petty Officer Alex Chan and Hospital Man 3 Arnel Capuno, who are now working in Saudi Arabia. Their applications were sworn and accomplished before the Philippine consular office in Saudi. Lim said he applied for the amnesty to show that he is supporting the Aquino government’s thrust of fostering political harmony through realization of reforms. “To set the record straight, I am not only a friend of this administration but a devoted ally. And as long as the government remains committed to its mandate to weed out corruption and dispense justice to those who thirst for it, my allegiance as a soldier and as a citizen of this republic will always be at the side of this government," he said. For his part, Miranda said he applied for amnesty because wanted to be “part of the team." “If you accept it (amnesty offer), it means teamwork. Whatever it is, you have to accept it and we are humbled by the offer. Let us set aside our interest and give teamwork a chance, towards the attainment of good governance, for the good of everybody," he said. - KBK, GMA News