By Ronron
February 28, 2007
An Army officer undergoing court martial proceedings for his alleged participation in the supposed February 2006 coup plot has asked for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.’s apology.
In his letter dated February 21, 2006 but received by Esperon’s office only yesterday (Wednesday), Capt. Dante Langkit also asked for Esperon’s permission to leave detention so he could pursue his intention to join the Congressional race this May 14 in his home province of Kalinga.
“I am truly sorry if I have caused you disappointments and I sincerely thank you for your personal concern of which I have been aware,” Langkit told Esperon whom he once served as an aide de camp.
Langkit is facing charges for violation of Articles of War 67 (mutiny or sedition) and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) for allegedly working underground for the overthrow of the Arroyo government in February last year.
After going absent without official leave (AWOL) on January 17, 2006, Langkit was arrested on April 2, 2006 in Quezon City.
Esperon accused him of allegedly meeting with ranking personalities of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in September 2003, and forming an alliance with the underground group of former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan in 2005.
And even while on AWOL, Langkit, according to Esperon, continued to incite junior officers since late January last year to join what he organized as “Oplan GEMSTONE” for the attack of the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
While he was allegedly an active planner of the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, Langkit was not around when the posh apartment hotel in Makati City was seized by some 300 officers and soldiers.
From the time of his arrest, Langkit was placed on solitary confinement at the Intelligence Service Group (ISG) compound of the Philippine Army headquarters.
But for two weeks now, he was transferred to the Custodial Management Unit (CMU) facility in the same camp where he has access to sunlight, and can even play outside, his twin brother, Danzel, said.
Asked if by his saying sorry to the AFP leadership, Langkit will not turn against his fellow accused and testify against them, Danzel said: “I cannot have a comment on that. I don’t know.”
“By now, you must have been informed that I have opted to participate in our democratic processes. I intend to run for Congressman in the lone district of my province, Kalinga. In this regard, may I respectfully ask your permission that I be allowed to campaign in my province during the election period,” Langkit continued in his letter.
A product of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1995, to which fellow rebel officer Navy Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV also belongs, Langkit will be the standard bearer of the United Opposition in Kalinga, and will push for his advocacy on peace and order, and good governance when he wins the election, Danzel said.
“I give you my word and honor that I will not grant any interview or make statements save on issues locally affecting my province, which I feel to be relevant in the election process. Above all, I will report to you after the election period,” Langkit wrote further.
Danzel said his brother decided to join the electoral process since he has realized that he has a slim chance of effecting reforms while in the military service, especially his present condition.
A member of the AFP is deemed resigned once he or she files his candidacy for any elective post in government. Trillanes has earlier taken such action by joining the senatorial race.
“Anticipating your favorable action hereon and reiterating my gratitude as ever, I remain steadfast to the chain of command,” Langkit promised Esperon.
Danzel said Langkit’s schedule to file his candidacy will depend on whether or not Esperon will grant his request.
Local officials have until March 29, 2007 to file their candidacies before the Commission on Elections./DMS
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