54 Magdalo laya na sa Enero

Isang malayang Bagong Taon sa taong 2008 ang bubulaga sa 54 junior officers ng Magdalo Group na nasangkot sa Oakwood mutiny noong Hulyo 2003 dahil pakakawalan na ang mga ito sa Enero ng susunod na taon. 

“They are expected to be released January 27, 2008 when they shall have served (their sentence of) seven years and six months, minus three years because of the mitigating circumstances,” pahayag ni AFP Chief of Staff Gen.Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

“I wish them luck. I have expressed my willingness to be their job placement agency,” ayon pa kay Esperon. “Gambala ( Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala), for example, is the topnotcher of his class. He can do many good things. In fact, there are people who have signified their intention to hire them.” 

Noong Abril ay nag-plead guilty ang 54 sa kasong paglabag sa Articles of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) at bilang kapalit nito ay dinismis na ng korte ang kaso laban sa mga ito. (Joy Cantos)