Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, the fugitive Magdalo officer who carried a P1-million bounty on his head, said on Thursday he is hopeful justice can be attained under the Aquino administration, but gave no guarantee that he will not escape again from military custody.

Faeldon was presented to media in a press conference at Villa Cristina resort and hotel in Antipolo City two days after he resurfaced and “surrendered” to Marine Commandant, Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban. He reportedly expressed readiness to face the consequences and penalties of his act.

Details about his surrender, however, remained unclear. The only information Marine and Navy officials gave to reporters was he yielded to his Sabban at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday (July 6) at a coffee shop in one of the establishments at the Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. They added it was the result of a negotiation that started after the May 10 elections.

Yet, an official press release of the Philippine Marine Corps distributed to reporters before the start of the press conference was titled “Fugitive Cpt Faeldon Apprehended by Marine Intel Elements.” Faeldon is wanted for attempting twice to overthrow the government of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

At the Villa Cristina resort and hotel, it was noted that Faeldon, who wore a white shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes entered the room without handcuffs and went straight to the table where he joined Sabban and Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez,  acting Navy Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC), for the press conference.

Faeldon said the reason for what he called as his “return” was in keeping with his earlier statement that he will resurface “if the result of the last election will become credible, reflecting the will of the people.”

“There is no reason for me to stay unaccountable now because we have a new government who has the mandate of the people. So I’m surrendering to the will of the people now which is the opposite of the previous administration. So that’s why I am here right now,” said Faeldon.

When asked if his surrender could mean there will be no coup attempts against the present administration, Faeldon said he could not give an answer because he only carries himself and he has no control over the entire armed forces.

He, nonetheless, said: “I’m one of those who are hopeful that justice will be attained not just for myself but all those who are facing charges. I hope we can attain justice… Justice in the sense that I believe this new administration will not meddle on our justice system. It will allow the process. ”

Faeldon clarified he is not asking to be exonerated nor for anyone to meddle with his case.

And while Faeldon said he leaves it to the individual judgment of his fellow officers on what action to take in case they see massive corruption in the new administration, the Marine captain also told reporters he will address the issue when it occurs when asked if there’s a possibility that he will join similar actions as what he did in 2003 and 2007 in the future.

When pressed further if he will again spring from military custody if there will be “problems” with the Aquino administration, Faeldon did not give a categorical answer of “yes” or “no”, instead he answered by saying: “Let’s talk about that when that time comes.”

The Magdalo officer also refused to give a direct answer if still he wants to go back to active service, saying he still has to go through a lot of processes. “So we will discuss that when that situation arises. As to other plans, I have so many plans but for the meantime I have to face the charges against me.”

Faeldon was among junior officers who led the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003, which peacefully ended after a 22-hour standoff. The mutiny was also joined by fellow Magdalo officer, then LtSG Antonio Trillanes IV, who is now a Senator despite still being in detention.