Arroyo upholds military court decision to sack coup plotters

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo approved on June 18 a military court's decision to discharge from service 11 right-wing rebel soldiers, who pleaded guilty of involvement in a short-lived coup d'etat in Makati City in July 2003, a senior official said in a belated report on Friday.

"By order of President Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita signed on July 18 the approval of the verdict handed down by the General Court Martial against the 11 junior officers who were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Article of War 96 [conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman]," said Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Original plea

"With this approval by the President, the verdict handed down by the court presided by Major General Nathaniel Legaspi is now final and executory," Teodoro explained.

Those ordered dismissed included two senior officers, Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade James Layug and Marine Captain Gary Alejano. They were leaders of Magdalo Group which was behind the takeover of the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City by 200 young officers on July 27, 2003.

The others dismissed were Lieutenants Senior Grade Eugene Louie Gonzales, Andy Torrato, and Manuel Cabochan; First Lieutenants Francisco Ashley Acedillo, Segundino Orfiano, and Billy Pascua; Lieutenant Junior Grade Arturo Pascua; and Second Lieutenants Jonnel Sangalang; and Ensign Armand Pontejos.

On July 10 this year, the officers changed their original plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty of Oakwood's takeover, in a plea bargain agreement for lesser punishment.

Sources said Arroyo may eventually grant the convicted soldiers presidential clemency.

Meanwhile, the 11 former officers will remain in detention because they are still facing rebellion charges before a lower court in Makati.

Rebellion

At present, only six other military officers are left for trial in connection with the faily 2003 mutiny. They included resigned Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade turned-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and fugitive Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon. The other officers are Army 1st Lieutenant Warren Dagupon and Marine 2nd Lieutenants Alquin Canson, Junnibert Tubo and Edwin Duetao.

Trillanes, Faeldon and Dagupon were accused of violating AW 96, being the group's hardcore leaders. They are also facing coup d' etat charges before the Makati regional trial court.

In addition, Trillanes and Faeldon were also accused of rebellion in connection with the brief takeover of the Peninsula Hotel in Makati City on November 29, 2007.