MANILA (2nd Update, 8:15 a.m.) -- The military confirmed Wednesday that Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Ricardo David has granted detained Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin provisional freedom.
Querubin is one of those who led a failed attempt to overthrow the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo more than four years ago.
In a radio interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier General Jose Mabanta said the provisional liberty of Querubin, a recipient of the highest military decoration Medal of Valor, was approved Tuesday night by David.
Querubin was deemed retired from the military service after he ran but lost for senator in the May 10 elections.
But in a television interview Tuesday morning, Querubin said he cannot yet resign from military service as he still has a pending case.
"I have yet to get the resolution of the case... After that, I will file optional retirement," he said, adding that his mandatory retirement is on March 2012.
He said he will go direct to his house after his release to catch up with his family and "start my duties as a father effective today."
He thanked the AFP leadership for granting him provisional freedom and "heeding the call of the new administration."
He also thanked his family "who is there not only in the elections but also for the past four years," and the people for their support.
Querubin was detained at Camp Aguinaldo, facing trial before a military tribunal for a charge of mutiny in connection with his group's plot to march and subsequently withdraw their support from then President Arroyo in February 2006.
Mabanta said Querubin was allowed provisional liberty on the condition that he would attend the ongoing court martial hearings against him in connection with the February 2006 incident.
"Colonel Querubin was given a provisional liberty and this was approved last night by the chief of staff. He will be placed under the custodial care of a senior officer, in this case he will be under the custody of General Reynaldo Ordonez," said Mabanta.
Ordonez, the head of the AFP Philippine Defense Reform office, is the same officer to whom former Scout Ranger chief Brigadier General Danilo Lim, another leader of the plot, was placed under custody last May 31 by then AFP chief General Delfin Bangit.
More than a week later, Bangit also allowed provisional liberty to nine Scout Ranger officers also linked to the plot. (VR/Sunnex)