AFP chief: Pardon for nine Magdalo soldiers a possibility

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon on Wednesday said a presidential pardon is possible for nine Army officers who were meted with prison terms by a Makati City court last Tuesday for their role in the short-lived Oakwood mutiny in July 2003. In an interview, Esperon cited a number of mitigating circumstances that may result in a presidential pardon for the nine officers, who were part of the group that signed a manifesto in 2006, expressing support to the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. “Indeed, there are mitigating circumstances like they went back to barracks peacefully (from Oakwood apartments), they have become staunch advocates against military adventurism, they have behaved well in confinement, they have shown remorse so probably there is (possibility)," Esperon said. “The presidential pardon is in the realm of possibility," he added. Esperon was referring to the nine officers led by Army Capts. Gerardo Gambala and Milo Maestrecampo, who were both sentenced to reclusion perpetua or a jail term of 20 to 40 years after pleading guilty to a charge of coup d' etat. Seven other Army officers – Capts. Albert Baloloy, John Andres, Laurence Luis Somera and Alvin Ebreo, and 1st Lts. Florentino Somera, Cleo Dongga-as and Kristopher Bryan Yasay – were sentenced to the lesser penalty of prison mayor or six to 12 years of imprisonment. In the interview, Esperon however said he is not making a recommendation to pardon the nine officers unless the President asks for it. “Pardons, executive clemencies are entirely the President’s prerogative so I can only make recommendations if I am asked but I am not being asked." “If I will be asked, I will make a study on it because I don’t want to infringe (on the President’s prerogative)... If asked, I will make a recommendation," he added. When pressed on whether he has spoken to the President with regards to the sentencing o the nine officers, Esperon gave a big laugh before and quipped: “executive privilege." - GMANews.TV