AFP affirms military court ruling on release of 11 officers

MANILA, Philippines - Vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, in his capacity as acting Armed Forces chief, has affirmed a decision of a military court acquitting 11 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Arroyo three years ago.

In a memorandum last Oct. 30, Maclang ordered the release from military custody of Col. Januario Caringal and Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez of the Marines; Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot, Captains Ruben Guinolbay, Frederick Sales, Allan Aurino and Ervin Divinagracia; and First Lieutenants Jacon Cordero, Sandro Sereno and Ritchiemel Caballes of the Army Scout Rangers.

“You are hereby directed to effect their immediate release,” read Maclang’s memorandum.

Upon his return from an official trip to Hawaii yesterday, Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado summoned the 11 military officers to his office for a close-door dialogue.

Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the 11 military officers have already undergone the required medical checkup,

“They must go through the required processes before they are given their respective assignments,” he said.

Upon their release, the freed Scout Ranger officers would be temporarily assigned to the Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Service.

The two acquitted Marine officers were ordered to report to the Marines HHSS pending their reassignment to the field.

The 11 were part of the 28 military officers led by former Marine commandant, retired Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and former Scout Ranger commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim who were charged with mutiny.

After almost three years of trial, the Special General Court Martial-2 headed by outgoing Armed Forces National Capital Region Command chief, Maj. Gen. Joggy Leo Fojas, unanimously cleared the 11 military officers for insufficiency of evidence.

The military court rejected a motion of chief military prosecutor Col. Feliciano Loy to reopen the case for the prosecution to present additional evidence and witnesses.            – Jaime Laude