MANILA, Philippines, April 18 (UPI) -- Mutiny charges against 10 Philippine officers who took part in 2003 anti-government protests have been dropped and the servicemen released, officials said.
The 10 have been imprisoned since the 2003 incident when 321 Army soldiers and their officers barricaded themselves in a Manila hotel to protest alleged corruption in the administration of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
When the protests failed, the officers apologized to Arroyo for the rebellion. She accepted the apology, but ruled out immediate pardon and said their trial would proceed, the newspaper said.
Last week, the 10 were convicted of violating four Articles of War including disrespect to the president, conduct unbecoming an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.
The mutiny charges were dropped and the officers released for time served since their 2003 arrest, the Daily Inquirer reported.
