AFP welcomes acquittal of 11 officers in coup plot

MANILA, Philippines - The military welcomed yesterday the acquittal of 11 Marines and Scout Rangers who faced trial on charges of plotting to topple the government.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, AFP public information chief, said the acquittal proves that the military justice system is working.

 “They are welcome (back),” he said.

“We believe they will be able to contribute again to the organization and to our fight against insurgency.”

Meanwhile, the seven-man military tribunal is slated to rule on Oct. 27 on defense motion for the acquittal for lack of evidence of the remaining officers headed by former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, former Scout Ranger commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Marine Col. Ariel Querubin.

Querubin described the acquittal of his 11 co-accused as “answered prayers.”

“After three and a half years of joys and tears in desolation, they could finally go home and join their families and loved ones and serve this country once more,” he said.

Querubin said that he is looking forward to his acquittal as well as that of the other military officers who remain in detention.

“Our country will be having very brilliant officers back in the military service, and may the spirit which kept them resilient despite all their sufferings in the past three and a half years stay with them as they pursue their careers and help defend this country again,” he said.

On other hand, members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masikhay (Magsikap sa Buhay) Class of 1989 is preparing a welcome activity for their acquitted classmate Capt. Ervin Divinagracia, according to Army Capt. Jojo del Rosario, president of PMA Class 1989.

Acquitted with Divinagracia were Col. Januario Caringal, and Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez of the Marines, Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot, Captains Ruben Guinolbay, Fredrecik Sales, Allan Aurino, First Lieutenants Jason Cordero, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes, all of the Scout Rangers.    – Jaime Laude