Negrense Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, one of the six core leaders of the Magdalo group who figured in a failed coup against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003, got 40 years of imprisonment after pleading guilty to coup d’etat charges filed against him, and 31 others before the Makati Regional Trial Court.

On the other hand, the trial of Marine Capt. Gary Alejano of Sipalay City, who allied himself with detained Navy LTSG-turned-Senator Antonio Trillanes, and others, who pleaded not guilty for similar charges, is expected to continue, as they prepare to present their defense and argue their case in court.

Maestrecampo of Talisay City, and Alejano were among the leaders of 300 troops who seized the Oakwood Hotel in July 2003, demanding for the resignation of President Arroyo, defense and military officials over allegations of corruption.

Makati Judge Oscar Pimentel yesterday handed down 40 years in prison, not only to Maestrecampo, but also to Capt. Gerardo Gambala, and maximum of 12 years of imprisonment to Capt. Albert Baloloy, John Andres and Alvin Ebreo, and Lieutenants Lawrence Luis Somera, Florentino Somera, Christopher Brian Yasay and Cleo Dongga-as.

‘MOST WELCOME’

Brig. Gen. Gregorio Fajardo, deputy 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said the decision of Pimentel is “most welcome by the Army”.

While before those who violate the law were given “kid gloves treatment” in previous failed coup attempts, now we have properly applied the full power of military law and justice system, Fajardo told the DAILY STAR.

The verdict should serve as a warning to AFP members that any violations should be dealt with accordingly, he stressed.

We salute the court for the decision, Fajardo also said.

Military records show that Maestrecampo and eight others also changed their plea to guilty before a general court martial on the charge of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and were penalized with dishonorable discharge from the military service, although it has yet to be approved by President Arroyo.

Roger Macariola, uncle of Maestrecampo, said they have no choice but to accept the court decision, whether they like it or not.

Ramon Hilballes, between sobs, described his nephew to ABS-CBN as a religious person, and an obedient son to his parents.

PRAISED FOR COURAGE

Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, AFP spokesman, praised the nine for “their courage to accept that they have committed something wrong and their willingness to face the consequences”.

Defense lawyers Reynaldo Robles and Ernesto Francisco said that the action of the nine should not have an effect on the rest of the accused, but the prosecutors said they believe otherwise.

In 2004, the group of Maestrecampo and Gambala apologized to the government for the mutiny, which split the Magdalo group into two factions.

PARDON PREDICTED

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and lawyer Neri Colmenares of the National Union of People’s Lawyer have predicted a future pardon for the convicted mutineers.

Cayetano said he only hoped that the plea bargain followed the rules, and were made with transparency.

Neri who said he was surprised by the plea of guilty, said those who got life sentences might eventually be pardoned and those who got 6 to 12 years have their sentences commuted to below six years, so they could be subject to parole.*GPB

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