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Saturday, December 08, 2007
DOJ files rebellion raps vs Magdalo soldier
MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday recommended the filing of rebellion and inciting to sedition charges against a Magdalo soldier who allegedly tried to leave the country after participating in the failed revolt at the Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati City last November 29.
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In a resolution, the DOJ panel of prosecutors led by acting Makati City Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco found probable cause to indict Private First Class Alvin Celestino for the standoff following the conduct of inquest proceedings on Wednesday.
Celestino was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and Aviation Security Group personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) while processing his departure documents bound for Detroit, Michigan in the US.
Velasco said there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of criminal charges against Celestino. Since the mother case of rebellion against Peninsula siege leader Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has already been filed before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC), Celestino's name will just have to be included among the list of respondents in that case.
Among the evidence culled by the CIDG was a document showing the escape plan of respondents Trillanes and his co-accused from the courtroom at the Makati City Hall.
The document contains the list of members constituting the four teams who were supposed to support Trillanes's group in their escape. Celestino is a member of the team, specifically, Team 3.
Velasco further said that there were video footages showing he (Celestino) was among those who were carrying firearms escorting Trillanes's group while they were openly enticing the public to join them in overthrowing the government.
"Verily, it cannot be disputed that he is part of the team who escorted the group of Trillanes on their way out from the Makati RTC up to Manila Peninsula Hotel, and thereat, actively participated in the uprising," he said.
Velasco said the respondent was ordered brought to a detention facility of his original unit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) where he is still considered "in active service" despite having gone Awol (absent without official leave) since the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003. (ECV/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (December 7, 2007 issue)
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