Coup probe findings out Nov. 21

The results of the pre-trial investigation into the failed Feb. 24 coup plot would be announced more than a week from now, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) submitted to the AFP chief its advice on the case last Friday.

In an interview, Esperon said he needs to review the SJA’s recommendation before he decides whether to convene a military court to try the officers involved in the foiled power grab.

"Give me some time to go over it," he said, adding that he may make an announcement on Nov. 21.

Esperon refused to identify who among the 38 Scout Rangers and Marine officers implicated in the coup attempt were recommended for trial before a military tribunal, which can be convened by the AFP top brass.

In an earlier interview, he said not all of the 38 officers would be charged before a court-martial.

A panel led by Col. Al Perreras of the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) investigated 38 Scout Rangers and Marine officers for alleged violation of Articles of War 65 (willful disobedience of superior officer), 67 (attempting to begin or create mutiny), 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman) and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).

The 38 officers facing charges for violations of the Articles of War are led by former commander of the Scout Ranger Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, and Marine Col. Ariel Querubin.

Earlier, Esperon said he could be a witness against those who would face trial before the general court-martial.

AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said military lawyers from JAGO have assured that there is no legal impediment to Esperon taking the witness stand, despite his authority over the military tribunal.

Bacarro said Esperon, who was the commanding general of the Philippine Army when the incident took place, was a very vital witness in the events that reportedly took place inside the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo on the night of Feb. 23, the eve of the purported plot by some officers to withdraw support from President Arroyo.

Bacarro, however, said he has no information yet on whether Esperon’s predecessor, retired former AFP chief of staff Gen. Generoso Senga, would be called in to take to the witness stand.

The 25 Scout Ranger officers included in the investigation are presently detained at the maximum security facility of the headquarters of the Army’s 2nd infantry division in Tanay, Rizal, while six of the Marine officers are at the Philippine Marine Corps detention center.— James Mananghaya