Escaped mutineers call for ‘red’ protest

The Magdalo 4, a group of mutinous soldiers who escaped from detention last month, called on the public yesterday to wear red armbands today, Valentine’s Day, to protest the government’s continued neglect and to hasten President Arroyo’s ouster.

In a statement, Army Capt. Nathaniel Rabonza, 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, 1Lt. Sonny Sarmiento and 1Lt. Patricio Bumidang called on the public to stand up for the truth.

"In next several days, let us show and proclaim our displeasure at the sham regime. Let us demonstrate our disgust, not only by going to the streets in protest, but also by wearing red bands on our left arms," they said.

The rebel officers escaped from Fort Bonifacio last month and have since been declared fugitives.

In enjoining the public to openly protest against the government, the Magdalo 4 said that they just cannot remain silent in the face of the people’s suffering.

"We cannot continue to stay silent in the face of the suffering of the people and the neglect of government that insults the dignity of the ordinary Filipino. We cannot continue to tolerate the lies and deceit of the bogus Macapagal-Arrroyo regime," the group declared.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) downplayed the call, calling it "plain and simple propaganda."

Col. Tristan Kison, of the AFP Public Information Office, said the move was aimed at creating an impression that the fugitives have public support.

"Their purpose in telling the people to wear armbands is to create an impression that they have the support of the people and create a bandwagon effect," Kison said.

Army seeks NBI’s help

The Philippine Army has formally solicited assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the manhunt for the four rebel officers.

Regional Director Reynaldo Esmeralda, of the NBI-Special Task Force (STF), said they received the request from the Office of the Army Provost Marshal yesterday, exactly 27 days after their escape.

Esmeralda tapped STF Executive Officer Arnel Dalumpines to lead the manhunt and apprehension of the fugitives.

"We will conduct surveillance operations in possible areas where they might have taken refuge," he said.

Esmeralda also called for the cooperation of the soldiers’ families and the general public for any information that could help authorities track the four officers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier distributed 3,000 posters of the fugitives to the 1,500 police stations all over the country. The Traffic Management Group (TMG) has placed posters at bus terminals and jeepney loading and unloading stations while the Aviation Security Group and the Maritime Group have posted them at all airports and seaports.

Military alert

Military personnel with anti-riot back-up from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be securing a Makati court today for the hearing of coup charges against the Oakwood mutineers.

The AFP said security will be tight at the Makati RTC following reports of a plot to rescue the rebel officers.

Meanwhile Lt. SG Antonio Trillanes IV and two other Magdalo officers would be absent from today’s hearing after they reportedly waived their right to appear before Judge Oscar Pimentel for still unknown reasons.

Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon said he received a call from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday, informing him that Trillanes, Capt. Gary Alejano and Capt. James Layug have signed a waiver.

Fadullon said Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon and the 24 Magdalo members facing coup charges are expected to attend today’s proceedings. – With Evelyn Macairan, Michael Punongbayan