Thursday, August 23, 2007 12 Oakwood mutineers dismissed from military
AN ARMED Forces general court martial on Wednesday dishonorable discharged from the service 12 junior officers who earlier pleaded guilty to a military offense in connection with the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny.
But the verdict issued by the general court martial would have to be approved by Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and later on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for it to become effective, Esperon told reporters.
In convicting the officers, court martial president Nathaniel Legaspi said the 12 officers headed by Army Captains Gerardo Gambala and Milo Maestrecampo brought "dishonor" to the military. The other convicted officers were Captains Albert Baloloy, Alvin Ebreo, Lawrence Somera, and John Andres; and 1st Lieutenants Rex Bolo, Von Rio Tayab, Audie Tocloy, Cleo Donga-as, Florentino Somera, and Brian Yasay.
Legaspi read the verdict while the accused were lined up in front of the military court. Before reading the sentence, Legaspi asked the officers if they were changing their plea but the officers did not say anything.
"This general court martial hereby imposes the following sentence, the sentence of dishonorable discharge," said Legaspi, adding that the officers will continue to receive their salary until the approval of their discharge unless ordered by higher authorities.
The 12 is part of the 31 officers and enlisted men facing a coup d'etat case before a Makati City court. The 31 include Senator Antonio
Trillanes IV, a former Navy lieutenant senior grade.
The 12 officers changed their plea to guilty from not guilty last July 10. During their arraignment year ago, all the 29 officers facing the coup d'etat case, maintained their silence prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea.
The tribunal is also trying the case of the remaining seven officers who are accused of several military offenses, including mutiny.
Last April 11, 54 other mutiny officers entered into a plea bargaining agreement and pleaded guilty to the charge of conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline in exchange for the dropping of the mutiny case and the other charges.
In turn, the military tribunal sentenced the 54 officers to detention until January 27 next year and imposed the penalty of dishonorable discharge. The verdict was approved by the President two months later.
In May 2005, at least 184 enlisted personnel also involved in the mutiny entered into a plea bargaining agreement. They were restored to full duty status after the court ruled that their prison term as time served and were demoted in rank. (VR/Sunnex)
