Gambala and Maestrecampo faces reclusion perpetua, 7 other Magdalo soldiers sentenced to reclusion mayor

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
April 8, 2008
Story 1: Gambala and Maestrecampo faces reclusion perpetua, 7 other Magdalo soldiers sentenced to reclusion mayor

The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 handed down the sentence for the nine Magdalo soldiers who changed their plea from not guilty to guilty for the coup d’etat case last April 2, 2008.

Judge Oscar Pimentel sentenced the two Magdalo soldiers of reclusion perpetua or 40 years of imprisonment while the other seven co-accused were sentenced to reclusion mayor or six years and one day to 12 years imprisonment.

Those who were sentenced to reclusion perpetua are Capt. Gerardo Gamballa and Capt. Milo Maestrecampo. While, Capt. Laurence Somera, 1LT. Florentino Somera, Capt. John Andres, Capt. Alvin Ebreo, 1Lt. Cleo Dungga-as, Capt. Albert Baloloy and Lt. Bryan Yasay faces reclusion mayor.

The dispositive portion of the 127 page decision was read by the clerk of Makati RTC branch 148, based on it, it said that the nine accused pleaded guilty same as admitting the violation that they did last July 2003.

Gambala and Maestrecampo has long years of imprisonment than the two because they are onsidered by the Court as leaders because they are the ones coordinating with them. While the seven co-accused are only participants of the crime.

Thus, saying that Gambala, Maestrecampo and the seven others has violated Article 134-A of the Revised Penal Code.

The prosecutors were surprised on the decision because they recommend lower offense, “This is much harsher than we expect,” Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said.

During the last hearing, Fadullon recommended 17 to 20 years imprisonment for the core leaders that will be identified by the Court and 10-12 years for the co-accused. Fadullon also added that maybe the soldiers already realized that they are really part of a crime that is why they change their plea and ready for the consequences. “We admire their courage for changing their plea,” State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said.

The number of years that the convicted soldiers stayed at the custodial center of Philippine Army in Fort Bonficio, Taguig City will be counted as long as they prove that they stayed their as prisoners.

Meanwhile, the nine Magdalo soldiers were back at the Phil. Army custodial center because they still have pending case at the Court Martial with regards to the violation of Articles of War.

The soldiers arrived at around 9:05 am, they were handcuffs with their respective escort. There are no any reaction on their face when the sentence was being read. They are also wearing their green office uniform.

Meanwhile, the case for the remaining accused Magdalo soldiers will still continue, the next hearing was set on April 10, 2008.