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A military court of Friday dropped four of the five charges filed
against the 28 military officers involved allegedly in the February
2006 coup attempt, because of technicalities.
The 28 accused including former Marine Corps
commandant Major Gen. Renato Miranda, Marine Col. Ariel Querubin and
Brig. General Danilo Lim, ex-commander of the Scout Rangers, are all
facing violation of Articles of War 63 or mutiny, 65 or willful
disobedience of superior officer), 67 or attempting to begin or
create mutiny, 96 or conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman,
and 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.
During Friday’s proceeding the Court Marshal
dropped all the charges except the last one, after it failed to
arraign the accused within the two-year period from the time of the
commission of the crime.
Defense Lawyer Homobono Adaza commended the
members of the general Court Marshal and Armed Forces Chief Lt.
General Alexander Yano for sticking to the law.
“They have no case, as a matter of fact this
was previously recommended to be dismissed. It’s about time that
something like this happens to the Armed Forces of the
Philippines,” the Adaza said.
As for the remaining case, Adaza is confident
that it will also end up being dismissed because the military “has
no case whatsoever”.
Miranda, who was also happy with the decision,
said they are ready to defend themselves on the mutiny case but
refused to discuss details.
He also praised the Court Marshal for
maintaining professionalism and for coming out with a decision based
on the merits of the case.
“The key here is the court must be apolitical
. . . they behaved independently and they made the judgment based on
the merits submitted by both the defense and the prosecution,”
Miranda added.
He also assured that their group remains solid
and nothing can stop them from fighting for justice and doing the
right thing, despite having their own personal problems.
-- Jefferson Antiporda
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