Querubin applies for amnesty

MANILA, Philippines -  Retired Marine Col. Ariel Querubin applied for amnesty at the Ad Hoc Amnesty Secretariat at the Armed Forces yesterday.

“As I’ve said, the only reason why I am holding back in applying for amnesty is because there are still junior officers who are facing charges along with us,” he said.

However, former Scout Ranger commander retired Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim is not availing of the amnesty.

In doing so, he would clear former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of wrongdoing, he said.

Querubin, Lim and former Marine commandant retired Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda are the only remaining officers who are facing mutiny charges before a court-martial in connection with the Feb. 26, 2006 Marine standoff.

Querubin said he just made sure that the six junior military officers are acquitted before he made his move.

“If I applied for amnesty ahead of their acquittal, some might follow and they will be discharged,” he said.

The other day, the military court acquitted the six junior officers led by Army Scout Ranger Maj. Jason Aquino of mutiny charges for allegedly plotting to oust Arroyo five years ago.

Querubin said he might have violated the Articles of War for his actions, but he is not guilty of the charge of mutiny.

A narrative of events before and during the Marine standoff would bail him out from the charges, he added.

Querubin urged Lim to take cognizance of the administration’s efforts in addressing the situation they are in.

“The government has already extended whatever (help) is possible,” he said.

“And it would be humiliating to the AFP leadership if after years of trial the three of us will be cleared.

“They (military tribunal) will never give in. That’s why I told him that I will apply (for amnesty). It’s time for me to move on.”

Miranda, retiring while under military detention, is now back in government service after he was granted temporary liberty by the military.

He now heads the Task Force Kalikasan, an environmental enforcement arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.