MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines has begun the pretrial investigation of the culpability of Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and 10 junior military officers in the takeover of the Peninsula Manila hotel seven months ago in an attempt to overthrow the government.

Lim, bemedalled commander of the elite Scout Rangers, had joined Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former junior naval officer, in the caper.

If the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) finds probable cause, Lim and the 10 officers would face court-martial, Capt. Ed Abad, JAGO spokesperson, said Monday.

Monday’s pretrial hearing, the second, was held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Abad said military prosecutors may charge Lim and the 10 officers with violation of various Articles of War—escaping from confinement, disrespect to the President, and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.

Among the junior officers involved in the Peninsula takeover on Nov. 29, 2007, were Lieutenants Senior Grade James Layug, Eugene Louie Gonzales, Andy Torrato and Manuel Cabochan, Lieutenant Junior Grade Arturo Pascua, and Ensign Armand Pontejos, all from the Navy; Capt. Gary Alejano and 2nd Lt. Jonnel Sangalang from the Marines, and Capt. Segundino Orfiano Jr. and Lt. Billy Pascua from the Air Force.

Trillanes, now a civilian, was not included in the charge sheet.

Lim is facing a separate court-martial for his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in February 2006.

Earlier, some of the rebel officers pleaded “guilty” to military offenses in connection with the 2003 Oakwood mutiny in Makati City. Calling themselves the “Magdalo” group, they had called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to step down.

This was an apparent plea bargain to gain them freedom from detention and also a dishonorable discharge from the AFP.

But Abad said the Magdalo officers had not yet been discharged after they pled guilty because the deal had yet to be approved by Ms Arroyo.

Abad said the Magdalo officers were still considered as being on active duty, thus enabling the military to pursue the new cases against them.

To force an end to the Peninsula Manila standoff, combined police and military forces had rammed an armored personnel carrier through the hotel’s main entrance and lobby.