Arroyo approves GCM verdict on 54 Magdalo junior officers

By Ronron
July 4, 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last month the guilty verdict and sentence imposed earlier by a court martial against 54 Magdalo junior officers who participated in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Wednesday that the President acted on the General Court Martial (GCM) recommendation last June 12.

The GCM, through court member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan, had earlier said upon the promulgation of its ruling last April 11 that the dishonorable discharge against the 54 will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence of confinement and the approval of Arroyo, being the AFP commander-in-chief.

“Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last June 12 the GCM’s verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt and the imposed sentence of confinement and dishonorable discharge of the 54 officers involved in the Oakwood incident,” Bacarro said.

“The 54 officers will be dishonorably discharged from the military service upon full completion of their sentence of confinement at noon of January 27, 2008,” he added.

The 54, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, had pleaded guilty to charges of violating Articles of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of the charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).

They include eight Air Force officers, 19 Navy officers, 14 Marine officers and 13 Army officers.

“The approval of President Arroyo on the decision rendered by the GCM manifests that justice has been served and that the military justice system is fair and reasonable as it is harsh,” Bacarro said.

“Military adventurism has not place in a democratic society. It will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will in all cases be clear, swift and decisive,” he added.

Presently still being tried before the GCM are the 29 core leaders of the attempted mutiny and seven other junior officers on various charges./DMS