Armed Forces "moved on" from Magdalo case -official

By Dennis D. Estopace, Reporter

BusinessMirror newspaper

March 24 for March 25, 2013

 

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has “moved on” from the events a decade ago that led to the conviction of two of its officers for mutiny.

 

“The AFP respects the decision of the court. As embodied in our IPSP Bayanihan, we strictly adhere to the rule of law with observance to due process,” Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., military spokesperson, said.

 

Burgos sent these statements via short message sending two days after 1st Lieutenants Rex Bolo and Lawrence San Juan were reportedly found guilty by a Makati court for participating in the so-called  “Oakwood mutiny.”

 

The “Oakwood mutiny” refers to the occupation by more than 300 heavily armed junior officers and enlisted men of the AFP – mostly from the elite units of the Army’s Scout Rangers and the Navy’s Special Warfare Group –of the Oakwood Premier Luxury Apartments in the Makati commercial and business district on July 27, 2003.

 

“The issues raised by the Magdalos have been addressed and reforms have been undertaken,” Burgos told BusinessMirror in a text message.

 

Members of the Magdalo, now a party list group, has justified their occupation of the luxury apartment to protest alleged corruption under the administration of then President Gloria Arroyo.

 

Burgos said that “a grievance system is already well in place and the AFP leadership will continue to work for progressive changes in the organization to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our troops as well as contribute to the upliftment of morale and welfare of our soldiers.”

 

“Adventurism is a thing of the past in the military now and that unfortunate episode in our recent history is now behind us and the AFP has completely moved on.”

 

News reports say San Juan and Bolo, who seeks reinstatement in the AFP, will appeal their cases.