ABSOLUTION FOR MUTINEERS NEEDS BROAD CONSENSUS, SAYS PALACE
MANILA, September 30 , 2004 (STAR) Malacaņang is sitting on a possible appeal of the military leaders of the Oakwood mutiny for absolution, noting that there should be a broad consensus on their fate from all sectors.
In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said, "We adhere to the principle of reconciliation with justice. The President favors leniency for those who were misled into joining the mutiny."
"As for the fate of the core leaders, there will have to be a broad consensus on this and consultations are being conducted at the highest levels of the government and all concerned sectors," Bunye said.
He further noted that, "The important thing to stress at this point is that there were no deals made and that all processes will be handled transparently and institutionally in accordance with the law."
The Magdalo faction, composed of military officers and 300 soldiers, took over a portion of the Makati financial district June 27 last year, demanding that Pres. Arroyo and other officials step down because of alleged corruption and abuse.
They also seized occupants of a high-rise condominium but later freed them.
The bloodless mutiny fizzled out less than 24 hours later when the soldiers failed to rally support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Later on, six junior officers who led the mutiny publicly apologized to Pres. Arroyo at Camp Aguinaldo last Friday for the rebellion, which they said was committed "in our honest, though naive, desire for change."
In return, the military said court-martial proceedings against the six and their followers would continue "in order, on the basis of the evidence... they can be given leniency."
Philippine defense minister to visit China this year 09/30 2:56:40 PM
MANILA (AFP) - Philippine Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said Thursday he would push for closer military and defense ties with China when he visits Beijing later this year.
Cruz said he would formulate a "mechanism for dialogue and consultations" with his Chinese counterpart to include possible military training and prevention of conflicts.
"The target date (for the visit) is November but we are working on the definite schedule," Cruz told reporters.
China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam claim in whole or in part the Spratlys chain of islands and atolls in the South China Sea. Last month China and the Philippines agreed to carry out a joint study of the mineral reserves in the area.
Armed forces chief General Narciso Abaya, who has just returned from a trip to China, said its military wants to broaden its engagement with the Philippines.
"They are proposing more exchange visits, they are proposing a consultation mechanism in cases where there are issues common to both countries that have to be resolved," Abaya told reporters late Wednesday.
The Chinese are also pushing for stronger cooperation on terrorism, he said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2004
by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved