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79 mutineers granted amnesty
By Atom Araullo, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 04/04/2011 12:08 PM | Updated as of 04/04/2011 12:08 PM

With an oath of allegiance to the flag, 79 former mutineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were given amnesty today at the AFP general headquarters.

The group included former Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin and former Captain Nicanor Faeldon. The two have since been discharged from the Armed Forces.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin clarified that only those with a rank of technical sergeant and below will be allowed to reintegrate with the AFP.

"Magandang senyales ito na wala nang mag-aaklas sa pwersa natin, and of course along with that we continue to institute reforms," said Gazmin.

It was a happy day for Querubin and Faeldon, who seem to be confident and optimistic about the new leadership in the AFP and in Malacañang.

Querubin found out about the approval of his amnesty just before his 54th birthday. He said AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban enjoys his full support as a private citizen.

Querubin became philosophical when asked about the possibility of another mutiny under the Aquino administration. "The [cure] against military adventurism or any rebellion for that matter is good governance. Walang magiisip magaklas kung maayos ang pagpapatakbo ng gobyerno," he said,

Faeldon said that he will continue his advocacy against corruption even after his service in the military. He admits that it saddens him to leave the AFP, but is moving on nonetheless.

He said he has no intention to join government.

"We have to stay vigilant. But as long as the leadership continues to take the path of transparency and accountability, they have to need to worry," he said.