Ex-military rebel claims Trillanes received money after mutiny

MANILA, Philippines — A former military rebel and Magdalo group leader on Wednesday alleged that vice presidential bet Sen. Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV received money from a politician a year after the Oakwood mutiny.

 

In a press conference at The Philippine Star, Marine Capt. Nicanor "Nick" Faeldon mentioned that in 2004, Trillanes received money from then solon and current Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos who visited while they are in detention at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP). He said Marcos brought a box of cake and when it was opened it contained cash. But Faeldon failed to specify the amount.

 

"Lumapit si Imee... 'Sonny, ito na ang request mo.' Inilapag iyong cake, Red Ribbon, doon sa harap namin. It was opened and nandoon ang pera," Faeldon said.

 

Faeldon said he is siding with presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who Trillanes alleged of having secret bank accounts. He said his revelation was his own initiative and not perpetrated by anyone.

 

"I've been trying to keep away from the public," Faeldon said. "I am coming out to defend the dream of the Filipino people."

 

Faeldon challenged Trillanes to come out and answer his corruption claims.

 

"I challenge you to come out [and reveal] that some politicians delivered money to you," Faeldon said. 

 

The former military rebel said Trillanes is a paid "attack dog" to destroy Duterte's presidential bid.

 

Faeldon's story on the alleged bribe given to Trillanes first came out on the blog of Manny Pinol, a known Duterte ally. 

 

Trillanes, however, said Faeldon's story is a mere diversion to the corruption issues hounding the survey frontrunner. He said the mayor cannot even face the allegations.

 

"Hindi totoo yan, may tama sa utak si Capt. Faeldon kaya nga tinaggal namin yan sa grupo. Tama lang na magkasama sila ni Duterte," Trillanes said.

 

Faeldon and Trillanes were among the leaders involved in the Oakwood Mutiny in July 2003 and Manila Peninsula siege in November 2007. Both were detained at ISAFP.