10 soldiers convicted for Manila Pen mutiny

MANILA, Philippines - Ten junior military officers were convicted Wednesday of joining a military mutiny at the Manila Peninsula hotel in 2007.

Ed Abaya, lawyer of the 10 Magdalo group members, said the court martial sentenced his clients to eight months in prison.

The rebel soldiers, led by Marine Capt. Gary Alejano and Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug, were found guilty of violating Articles of War 63 (disrespect to the President), 70 (escape from confinement), 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman), and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).

The eight other rebel soldiers were Capt. Dan Orfiano, Lieutenants Senior Grade Andy Torrato, Manuel Cabochan and Eugene Gonzales, Lieutenant Junior Grade Arturo Pascua; and First Lieutenants Armand Pontejos, Billy Pascua, and Jonnel Sangalang.

The 10 soldiers were detained immediately after joining the military uprising at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in November 2007. This means that the 10 have been detained for a longer time than their jail sentence, Abaya said, adding that the military tribunal credited the time spent by the 10 soldiers in prison.

“The court will forward the sentence to the Armed Forces chief of staff so he can issue a release order. The eight months will be credited,” Abaya said in a phone interview yesterday.

He, however, said the 10 soldiers will not enjoy freedom until the chief of staff issues a release order. “We have to wait for the chief of staff to sign the order,” Abaya said adding that his clients are also required to post bail.

Abaya said his clients were given a lighter punishment after they pleaded guilty of violating the four Articles of War.

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