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Sunday, December 02, 2007
Rebellion charges filed vs mutiny leaders, supporters
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) filed early Saturday rebellion charges against 50 military officers and their supporters in connection with the failed plot to overthrow the Arroyo administration.
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A four-man panel of prosecutors led by State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco initiated inquest proceedings against the accused inside Camp Crame based on the complaint filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The proceedings started Friday night and lasted 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Subject of the inquest proceedings are: Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Bishop Julio Labayen, Fr. Robert Reyes, former actress Bibeth Orteza-Siguion Reyna, former UP president Francisco Nemenzo, columnist Herman Tiu, and the members of the Magdalo Group who were previously involved in the short-lived Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 in Makati City.
Velasco said Guingona was not present in the inquest proceedings as he was taken to a hospital for checkup while the Bishop Labayen was released to the custody of Infanta, Quezon Bishop Rolando Terona.
Of the 101 people arrested at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, only 50 remained in custody Friday. They were all charged with rebellion, Velasco said.
Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay witnessed the proceedings to show support to the accused.
"We're all demanding for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation," said Binay, although adding that he has no knowledge over the Makati crisis.
Also present was director Carlito Siguion Reyna. He supported his wife and Representative Teofisto Guingona III.
Lawyer Teodore Te of the Free Legal Action Group, and who represent majority of the accused, motioned for the dismissal of the complaint if they and their clients are not provided copy to ensure that they are fully informed and aware of the charges.
The arresting officers, majority from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, acted as complainant to the case.
Lim, Trillanes and dozens of sympathizers within the military and leaders of leftist and opposition groups led the failed plot.
Lim in a statement urged Arroyo to resign and asked the armed forces to withdraw support for her.
At least three previous coup plots and three impeachment attempts have plagued President Arroyo's seven tumultuous years in power, but each has subsequently drawn fewer people to the streets. (VR/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (December 2, 2007 issue)
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