Faeldon confident he will get justice under Aquino administration

MANILA, Philippines - Surrendered rebel soldier Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon expressed confidence yesterday that he will get justice under the administration of President Aquino.

“I am one of those who are hopeful that justice will be attained, not only by me but all those with cases. I think we will achieve justice,” Faeldon said in a press briefing held in Villa Cristina Resort and Hotel in Antipolo City.

Faeldon, however, clarified that he is not asking the administration to clear him in his cases.“I believe this new administration will not meddle in our justice system. It will allow the processes (to take its course). That is what I mean by justice. I am not asking anyone to meddle with my case,” the former fugitive said.

Marine spokesman Capt. Alden Gwyn Amargo said Faeldon surrendered last Wednesday afternoon at The Fort in Taguig City. 

Faeldon is now detained and undergoing custodial briefing at the Marine headquarters in Taguig City.

Faeldon said his surrender is in line with his previous commitment that he will surface if the next president wins through honest elections.

“As I’ve said previously in my interviews with the media, if the result of the last election will be credible, reflecting the will of the people, I will surface,” he said. “I cannot choose my commander-in-chief but in the case of the previous president, I am one of those who believe that she didn’t possess the mandate of the people.”

Faeldon was referring to former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose legitimacy was doubted due to allegations that she rigged the 2004 elections.

In contrast, Mr. Aquino won by more than five million votes against his closest rival, former President Joseph Estrada, in an election that has been regarded as “generally orderly and peaceful.”

“There is no reason for me to stay unaccountable now because we have a new government who has the mandate of the people. I am surrendering to the will of the people now,” Faeldon said.

The former fugitive declined to name those who helped him evade the authorities. He added that it would be too early to think about returning to military service.

“I have so many plans but for the meantime I have to face the charges against me,” Faeldon said.

When asked if he would rebel against the Aquino administration in case it becomes embroiled in corruption, Faeldon said: “Let’s address that issue when it occurs.”

Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban said Faeldon would not be given special treatment while in detention.

Acting Navy chief Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez said Faeldon’s surrender would help fast-track the resolution of his cases.