Manila, Nov 01: Philippines President Gloria Arroyo today freed 133 soldiers who joined a failed July 27 rebellion, leaving 270 other officers and men to stand trial in a military court, the presidential palace said. The 133 are being set free because "they were found to have been deceived and misled into joining the attempted coup," she said in a statement. Several hundred soldiers seized the Makati financial district before dawn on July 27, demanding the resignation of arroyo and then-Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes, both of whom they accused of corruption. Having failed to rally public support and more military units to their side, the rebels surrendered about 20 hours later under threat of annihilation from artillery trained on them.
The 133 were among those detained who were recommended for release by armed forces Chief of Staff General Narciso Abaya, Arroyo said.


Arroyo also approved Abaya's plan to file charges before a general court martial against 270 officers and men for mutiny, disrespect toward the president and superior officers, unbecoming conduct and prejudicial conduct.

Bureau Report