thedrifter
01-11-06, 05:46 AM
Marines deny support for escaped comrade
First posted 04:48pm (Mla time) Jan 11, 2006
By Joel Francis Guinto
INQ7.net
COMRADES of a fugitive Marine captain and alleged leader of a military mutiny in 2003 have rejected allegations that they have helped him gain access to two military camps following his escape last month.
"There is no basis for that, we deny that… There is no such thing as facilitating [Captain Nicanor Faeldon's entry to the camps]," Major Melquiades Ordiales, a spokesman for the Philippine Marines, said in an interview with reporters Wednesday.
Captain Nicanor Faeldon, who escaped detention on December 14, had posted photos of his visits to the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province and at the Southern Command (Southcom) in Zamboanga City through his website (www.pilipino.org.ph).
Marines are stationed in the two camps Faeldon claimed to have visited.
Ordiales echoed statements by military officials that doubted the authenticity of the photos, saying they could have been digitally manipulated.
"In the first place, we're not really sure if he is really doing the rounds… With technology, you can manipulate pictures and video," he said.
Ordiales said the Marine Corps would abide by orders from military general headquarters to capture Faeldon, one of the ringleaders of the mutiny at the Oakwood luxury apartments in Makati City on July 27, 2003.
But while he maintained that the Marine Corps was solidly behind the chain of command, Ordiales could not say whether Faeldon had support from within the military.
"I can't answer that. I can't read the mind of other [soldiers]," he said.
When pressed by reporters, Ordiales also refused to call on Faeldon to surrender. "I will not comment on that. That is his own personal conviction."
Following his escape, Faeldon has launched a civil disobedience campaign in cyberspace to press for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ellie
First posted 04:48pm (Mla time) Jan 11, 2006
By Joel Francis Guinto
INQ7.net
COMRADES of a fugitive Marine captain and alleged leader of a military mutiny in 2003 have rejected allegations that they have helped him gain access to two military camps following his escape last month.
"There is no basis for that, we deny that… There is no such thing as facilitating [Captain Nicanor Faeldon's entry to the camps]," Major Melquiades Ordiales, a spokesman for the Philippine Marines, said in an interview with reporters Wednesday.
Captain Nicanor Faeldon, who escaped detention on December 14, had posted photos of his visits to the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province and at the Southern Command (Southcom) in Zamboanga City through his website (www.pilipino.org.ph).
Marines are stationed in the two camps Faeldon claimed to have visited.
Ordiales echoed statements by military officials that doubted the authenticity of the photos, saying they could have been digitally manipulated.
"In the first place, we're not really sure if he is really doing the rounds… With technology, you can manipulate pictures and video," he said.
Ordiales said the Marine Corps would abide by orders from military general headquarters to capture Faeldon, one of the ringleaders of the mutiny at the Oakwood luxury apartments in Makati City on July 27, 2003.
But while he maintained that the Marine Corps was solidly behind the chain of command, Ordiales could not say whether Faeldon had support from within the military.
"I can't answer that. I can't read the mind of other [soldiers]," he said.
When pressed by reporters, Ordiales also refused to call on Faeldon to surrender. "I will not comment on that. That is his own personal conviction."
Following his escape, Faeldon has launched a civil disobedience campaign in cyberspace to press for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ellie