AFP detains 2 Magdalo members after bail

MANILA, Philippines - Two members of the rebel soldier group Magdalo were detained in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday even as they were allowed to post bail in connection with a rebellion case that stemmed from the failed Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug and Marine Capt. Gary Alejano were transferred from the police headquarters in Camp Crame to the military camp as they are still facing court martial charges.

“What happened was just a turnover of custody. It was in line with the order of the Makati RTC (regional trial court), which stated that the bail does not include cases they are facing before the general court martial. They were turned over to the AFP,” Brawner said in a press conference.

The AFP spokesman also clarified that the two were not rearrested, as reported by an online news site and some radio stations yesterday.

Layug and Alejano were among the rebel soldiers who staged a failed uprising at the then Oakwood Premier Ayala Center (now Ascott Makati) in 2003 and at the Manila Peninsula in 2007.

Early this month, Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Elmo Alameda allowed Layug, Alejano and 16 other rebel soldiers involved in the Manila Peninsula siege to post bail of P200,000 for their temporary freedom. The bail, however, did not cover cases being tried by military tribunals.

 “There is no bail in the military justice system,” Brawner said.

Layug and Alejano are facing court martial proceedings for supposedly violating Article of War 96 or conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.

Brawner said the two were subjected to medical and physical examinations in Camp Crame before they were turned over to the AFP Custodial Center. He said they will remain there pending the deliberation of their court martial cases. 

The two detained officers are eyeing electoral posts this year, with Alejano running for mayor of Sipalay City in Negros Occidental and Layug seeking a congressional seat in the second district of Taguig.