30 alleged coup plotters to be arraigned today

Two generals and 28 other military officers linked to a failed coup last Feb. 24 will be arraigned before a special general court-martial at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal today.

In an interview, Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, president of the court- martial, said the custodians of the Scout Ranger and Marine officers were ordered to bring the accused to court.

"That’s the first session of the general court-martial number two and this will be held in the 2nd infantry division headquarters in Tanay, Rizal... at 9 in the morning," he said.

"We expect the court to be in session for the first time and all the accused to be there. If it would be held there, the movement would be lesser. We have considered their security that is why we decided to have it in Tanay."

The accused military officers are expected to appear before the court-martial to face charges of violations of the Articles of War, he added.

Yano, who is also Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command chief, said there are alternate members of the special general court- martial in case they need to be replaced, without naming the alternate members.

"The number of alternate members is the same as the principal," he said.

Other members of the court-martial are Col. Marian Alledo (law member), Rear Adm. Emilio Marayag, Commodore Fortunato Segudo Jr., and Brigadier Generals Raul Caballes, Salvador Collantes and Rolando Capacia (court members).

The 11 Marines officers linked to the foiled coup are headed by Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, former Marine commandant, while the 19 Scout Ranger officers are led by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, their former commander.