5 more Magdalo officers found guilty of mutiny, disharged from the service

MANILA, Philippines – A military court discharged yesterday five junior officers involved in the failed July 2003 Oakwood mutiny.

The general court martial ordered the dishonorable discharge of Army 1st Lieutenants Lawrence San Juan, Sonny Bumidang, and Nathaniel Rabonza after they changed their pleas to guilty for violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman) for their participation in the failed coup attempt.

Two other officers, 1Lt. Jason Panaligan and 2Lt. Christopher Orogan, were sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment for violating AW 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline). The court ordered the release of Panaligan and Orogan from military custody after having served time while in detention and in consideration of their voluntary surrender and good behavior.

San Juan, Rabonza and Sarmiento earlier changed their plea to guilty on charges of AW 96, while Panaligan and Orongan entered into a plea bargain with military prosecutors.

The two pleaded guilty to charges of AW 97 in exchange for the dropping of AW 63 (disrespect to the President), 64 (disrespect to superior officers), 67 (mutiny or sedition), and 96.

AW 96 carries a maximum penalty of dishonorable discharge from military service.

The court martial, headed by Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi, said the sentence against the five officers would take effect upon the approval of President Arroyo, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

San Juan, Rabonza and Sarmiento are also being tried for coup d’etat before the Makati City Regional Trial Court in connection with the failed uprising.

AW 97, which the accused officers pleaded guilty to, also carries a maximum penalty of dishonorable discharge from military service.

Officials, however, said it would be up to the convening authority to allow discharged officers convicted by the court martial to apply for reinstatement.

The military prosecution panel assured Panaligan and Orongan that the AFP leadership would give them the same treatment as the 53 officers who earlier pleaded guilty to charges filed against them before the court martial. The officers had been released from detention before Christmas last year after striking a plea bargain.

There are presently 17 junior officers accused of being involved in the failed power grab who have not yet reversed their not guilty plea, including Captain Nicanor Faeldon, who is still being hunted by authorities after he went missing at the height of the standoff at the Peninsula Manila last Nov. 29, and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, then a Navy Lt. Senior Grade.

Earlier this month, nine of the 31 alleged coup ringleaders who had changed their pleas to guilty were convicted by the Makati court and sentenced to 12 to 40 years imprisonment. They later apologized publicly for their actions and appealed for pardon.    – With AP