AFP anti-coup chief backs amnesty for rebel soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - The military’s anti-coup unit chief is supporting a recently approved Senate resolution seeking to grant amnesty to soldiers who joined the uprisings against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero said yesterday the giving of amnesty would provide former rebel soldiers a chance to start a new life and become productive citizens. 

He, however, believes that the mutineers should not be reinstated as they might be compared with those who follow the chain of command.

“The granting of amnesty is a good move... The government will give them another chance. They (former mutineers) will have a new life and an opportunity to prove that they are effective citizens,” Tabaquero said.

“But they should not be allowed to return (to military service)... Many might oppose it... For example, this group consists of the ones who fought the government, while this group chose to perform their duties. If you combine them, there would be comparisons.”

He said the mutineers should be given other job opportunities or accommodated in other state agencies. He said the granting of amnesty would not send a bad signal to soldiers.

“We have a lot of experience on that (military adventurism). Many lives and careers were ruined. Many have learned their lesson. Those who are planning to do that will think twice,” Tabaquero said in Filipino. 

“I think it (amnesty) would yield positive results. It would show that the government is sincere,” he added. 

Last Wednesday, the Senate adopted Resolution 217 urging President Aquino to grant amnesty to soldiers tagged in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003, the Fort Bonifacio standoff in 2006, and the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007. 

Seventeen senators voted in favor of the resolution, which will be subject to the approval of Malacañang. If the resolution secures Mr. Aquino’s nod, it would be returned to the two chambers of Congress for final approval. 

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who introduced the resolution, said the granting of amnesty would help achieve “national unity and reconciliation.”

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, through his spokesman Eduardo Batac, had said that he is not against the granting of amnesty to rebel soldiers.

He, however, advised against reinstating them, saying this might create “demoralization” among the troops. 

Under the 1987 Constitution, the president has the authority to grant amnesty subject to the concurrence of the majority of all members of Congress.