Philippines' accused mutineers freed

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The 53 Philippine army officers, accused in mutiny attempts against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's regime, were freed Thursday as a Christmas reprieve.

They were originally scheduled to be freed Jan. 27 but Macapagal-Arroyo commuted one month of their sentence, news reports said.

The Manila Times reported the rebellious junior officers, who have been in detention since 2003, may even be allowed to return to military service. A military tribunal had earlier decided to discharge the men and give them a lighter sentence under a plea bargain with military prosecutors.

"Effective today, they are released as civilians," military chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said. "They are separated from the service without prejudice to benefits due to them."

The freed officers were part of a much larger group involved in the mutiny in July 2003 but the effort was crushed a day later and all accused were arrested.

Many of them have since been released or given lighter sentences. A group of 29 officers, considered the core group in the mutiny attempt, may still face more serious charges.