Querubin, other rebel soldiers to take oath of allegiance

MANILA, Philippines—Former rebel leader Marine Col. Ariel Querubin will lead more than 100 soldiers who will retake their oath of allegiance on Monday to seal the amnesty granted to mutineers who took part in military uprisings against the previous administration.

Querubin, who still faces a court-martial for the February 2006 alleged coup attempt and armed standoff with government troops, has been deemed eligible for an amnesty.

But under the regulations of the Department of National Defense (DND), he and the others who applied for amnesty have to formally take their oath of allegiance to make the amnesty final and official.

Former Navy Lt. and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the core leaders of the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the November 2007 Manila Peninsula siege, took his oath of allegiance on Jan. 27 along with 94 other former junior military officers and enlisted personnel.

Querubin, one of a handful of living recipients of the Medal of Valor, the highest military combat decoration, said he looked forward to finally getting his retirement benefits after more than 38 years of military service.

“After all the suffering, I am now being blessed. I am so grateful to the present administration for trying to correct the injustices and evils of the past administration and giving me the opportunity to once again be part of mainstream society and a partner in nation-building,” he said in a statement.

Another Oakwood mutiny leader, ex-Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, is also expected to take his oath of allegiance.

President Benigno Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation 75 on Nov. 24 granting amnesty to those who participated in the three military-led uprisings against the Arroyo administration.