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Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Mutineers from Negros still in detention
CONTRARY to reports, the soldiers who joined the July 27 failed Oakwood mutiny have not yet been released, said the Ilonggo officers who remain in detention at the Eagles Park, Fort Bonifacio.
First Lieutenant Julius Navales, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1998 and a native of La Carlota City said the report is “another propaganda to boost the image of President Arroyo.”
Navales said none of the 99, including 37 officers who are restricted at the Eagles Park, were released--contrary to reports that Arroyo ordered their release as part of her policy of “leniency and reconciliation with justice.”
Navales, together with other soldiers from Negros Occidental, 1Lt. Laurefel Gabales, a native of Silay City and 2nd Lt. Julius Panaligan, of La Carlota, have been restricted together with 28 other officers and 105 Army soldiers at the Eagles Park for more than three months after the failed uprising.
Two other soldiers from Negros Occidental--Capt. Milo “Mai” Maestrecampo, of Talisay City and Capt. Gary Alejano of Sipalay City--who have been tagged as among the five prime movers of the foiled mutiny, are restricted at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces (Isaf).
The two are allegedly among the core group who masterminded the failed coup to oust Arroyo and install a military junta to be headed by Senator Gringo Honasan.
The mutineers earlier wanted the Government to address the graft and corruption within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the resignation of then Defense Sec. Angelo Reyes
Gabales, on the other hand, just laughed off the reports that they were released. He said the government, instead of issuing false statements, should address their grievances and comply with its agreement that only the members of the core group will face court marshall proceedings while the rest of them will go back to their respective units.
The Ilonggo soldiers are also asking for the speedy trial of the coup attempt charges filed against them before the Department of Justice. AZA
(November 3, 2003 issue)
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