Military trial looms

A retired Marine colonel is a step closer to being tried in a military court for calling for the government’s ouster in a video posted on YouTube last month.

Generoso Mariano would be charged with violation of Article of War 63 (Disrespect toward the President), Art. 91 (Making provoking speeches) and Art. 96 (Conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman), Navy spokesperson Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said Monday.

Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Alexander Pama approved the recommendation of a special Navy investigating committee headed by Marine deputy commandant Brig. Gen. Eugene Clemen that looked into Mariano’s video of July 1.

“The PTI (pre-trial investigation) will commence upon receipt of a directive from FOIC,” Tonsay said.

In the video, Mariano complained about rising prices and accused the government of failing to “save us from hunger and death.”