‘Oakwood soldiers welcome in Southcom’

ZAMBOANGA CITY — "They are welcome here."

Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, chief of the Armed Forces Southern Command (Southcom), said his command is ready to absorb the 181 soldiers who were convicted for taking part in the failed Oakwood mutiny in 2003.

"Alam ko magigiting na mga kawal sila (I know they are valiant soldiers)," said Braganza of the rebel soldiers who were released last Friday with warnings that they give up military adventurism.

"Nangyari na yon, nagkaroon sila ng infraction (It already happened; they had committed an infraction). They answered for it and they were detained and penalized, then they are remorseful and repentant. We need them here," he added.

The 181 soldiers will undergo a two-week reorientation and training. They were placed under the control of the AFP Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group under Brig. Gen. Jovenal Narcise.