54 officers get 7 years for 2003 Oakwood mutiny

A Philippine military court on Wednesday sentenced 54 junior military officers to seven years and six months for their participation in the failed July 27, 2003 Oakwood mutiny. But a plea bargaining agreement entered into the defense and prosecution panels would pave the way for the release of the said officers on January 27 next year. At the resumption of the general court martial proceedings, the court, presided by Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi said the number of years spent by the 54 officers was deducted from their sentence. The officers have been in detention since July 2003. Likewise, the court took into consideration the request by the defense panel to further reduce the sentence of the concerned officers due to three circumstances: (1) the surrender after the Oakwood mutiny, (2) the changing of their plea, and (3) the long years of confinement. "The officers will be released on January 27 next year," the court ruled. The court added that the dishonorable discharge of the officers from the military service will be decided by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her capacity as commander-in-chief of the uniformed services. Earlier in the day, the 54 officers pleaded guilty to charges of violating Articles of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline. The change of plea was in exchange for the dropping of other more serious charges under the Articles of War: AW 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman), AW 67 (mutiny), AW 63 (disrespect to the president, vice president and secretary of national defense) and AW 64 (disrespect toward superior officer). The plea bargain, however, excluded 29 other officers including the hardcore leaders of the Magdalo group. Also, five other officers have decided not to join the plea bargain agreement: 2Lt. Junebert Tubo, 2Lt. Edwin Tuwitao, 2Lt. Jason Panaligan, 2Lt. Christopher Orongan and 2Lt. Alcuin Canson. The court at the same time, cleared four junior officers for lack of probable cause: Second Lieutenants Percival Acanar and Gerald Daen, and First Lieutenants Edmun Bandilla and Marcelino Mendoza. The four will be restored to full duty status, pending some administrative concerns, including counseling. - GMANews.TV