11 soldiers' acquittal for 2006 coup not yet final

MANILA, Philippines - A decision of the military court acquitting 11 officers charged with participating in the February 2006 coup plot is not yet final as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to decide whether to uphold or overturn the ruling, a spokesman said yesterday.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said under military rules, the general court martial can only recommend the acquittal and the AFP chief has the final say.

He said the tribunal has already promised to submit the verdict to AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado for his final decision, but could not say when it will be handed down.

Last week, the court martial ordered the release of 11 of 28 military officers linked to the foiled coup due to lack of evidence.

The 11 officers are Marine Col. Januario Caringal; Lt. Cols. Edmundo Malabanjot and Nestor Flordeliza; Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez; Capts. Ruben Guinolbay, Frederick Sales and Allan Aurino; and 1Lts. Ervin Divinagracia, Jacon Cordero, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes.       – James Mananghaya, Jaime Laude