A LAWYER asked the Navy leadership on Monday to immediately release from detention a retired Marine colonel who was convicted by a court martial for “disrespect of the President.”
Ana Luz Cristal, counsel for retired Marine Col. Generoso Mariano, urged Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano, Navy flag officer in command, to release her client since the court martial had already issued determined that the sentence has been served.
“On May 16, 2013, the Navy General Court Martial rendered its verdict. Part of the dispositive portion states: “x x x x x The court martial sentenced the Accused [Mariano] to suffer the penalty of one-year imprisonment. His preventive detention from July 15, 2011 shall be credited to his service of sentence, and which shall be deemed served. Thus, his immediate release from detention upon approval by the convening authority [is recommended],” Cristal’s letter said.
Cristal personally delivered the letter to Alano.
Contacted through his mobile phone, Mariano said he was still waiting for his release order.
“I don’t know what keeps the Navy so long to release me. I have already served the sentence more than enough and yet they’re delaying my release,” Mariano lamented.
“To date, more than one month has lapsed but our client is still in detention, despite the aforementioned order. We are constrained in the interest of justice, to seek for the immediate release of our client, as his continuous stay in the detention facility is gravely unjust and a clear violation of his constitutional rights. We do hope this request merits your prompt action and favorable consideration,” Cristal added.
Mariano was ordered restricted to camp a day before his mandatory retirement after a video of him criticizing President Aquino on several social issues was uploaded on YouTube.
Mariano was a multiawarded officer in the Marine Corps.
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