Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said Negrenses should respect the decision of Judge Oscar Pimental of the Makati Regional Trial Court who sentenced Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, who is from the province, to 40 years of imprisonment as one of the leaders of the failed Oakwood mutiny in 2003.

While the people in Negros Occidental understandably feel sad for Maestrecampo, Zayco said he still can appeal his case up to the Supreme Court.

As a military man, he is bound to protect the people and its laws, and since he opted to recede from his obligations as one of the leaders of the failed coup, he has to face and accept the judgment of the court, the governor said.

Sentenced to 40 years imprisonment along with Maestracampo was Capt. Gerardo Gambala, while Capt. Albert Baloloy, John Andres, Alvin Ebreo and Lieutenants Lawrence Luis Somera, Florentino Somera, Christopher Brian Yasay, and Cleo Dongga-as were meted a maximum of 12 years in prison.

In its August 22, 2007 verdict, the military court also penalized Maestrecampo, Gambala and the other officers with dishonorable discharge after they pleaded guilty to charges of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.

The RTC decision on the military officers involved in the Oakwood Mutiny was welcomed by Army officers who said that the full power of the law was properly applied to the case.

Brig. Gen. Gregorio Fajardo, deputy commandeer of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the decision should serve as a warning to AFP members.*NAB

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