Manero wants to settle in QC

No, he has no intention of leading 1,000 militiamen to fight Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Mindanao.

Pardoned priest killer Norberto Manero Jr. just wants a new life in Quezon City, far away from his hometown of Tulunan, North Cotabato, a member of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BOPP) said yesterday.

Testifying before the Senate committee on justice and human rights, BOPP member Leticia Molina pointed out that prior to a conditional pardon granted last December, Manero had asked permission to transfer to Quezon City where he can "start a business and live a new life away from the influence of politicians."

Manero, one of eight people jailed for the 1985 murder of Fr. Tullio Favali, was freed from the New Bilibid Prisons last December after his name was included in a list of 500 convicts President Estrada pardoned for Christmas.

Manero was the leader of a group of anti-communist vigilantes who gunned down Favali in Tulunan. Court records showed the gunmen ate bits of Favali's brain in a ceremony of ritualistic cannibalism as horrified onlookers watched.

Senators called for an inquiry into the pardon following criticism from the Church and cause-oriented groups.

Molina, who handled the Manero case, testified that the "good conduct" and years served in prison by the convict were the main factors considered by the board in recommending the conditional pardon.

She said Manero had also asked permission to dispose of his properties in Tulunan so he can start a business in Quezon City.

"All he wants is a new life, he doesn't want to be used by anyone in politics," Molina said.

Justice Secretary Serafin Cuevas, who also attended the hearing, defended the conditional pardon, noting that all requirements had been met.

He pointed out that even the Supreme Court had admitted that Manero was not the actual killer of Favali, but a conspirator of the crime.

Cuevas also clarified that the President never said a pardon would not have been granted if he had known Manero was in the list of 500 convicts.

Members of the Senate panel repeatedly asked BOPP members why Manero was granted pardon despite the gravity of the offense and the fact that the convict had once escaped from jail.

Cuevas argued that Manero's behavior after returning to prison had been the basis for the reprieve.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan said there should be a complete review of all 500 convicts granted pardon by Mr. Estrada.

"Why single out Manero?" he asked

Honasan said it would be a violation of the Constitution's "equal protection clause" if Manero was singled out.

Senate Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona proposed that all official records of a heinous crime offender be included each time the BOPP submits to the President a recommendation for parole or commutation of sentence.

Guingona, a former justice secretary, also cited reports that there have been attempts to insert names in the list of prisoners recommended for parole.

"The inclusion of a convict's entire record would prevent these manipulative acts," he said.

He also recommended that the board furnish copies of their recommendations to the prosecutors who handled the case and to the families of the victims.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson has ordered police personnel in Southern Mindanao to keep track of Manero's movement.

"I have given instructions to our people in Southern Mindanao and Davao City to closely monitor his movements should he go there," Lacson told reporters yesterday.

He also assured the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines that the PNP will be ready to provide police protection to clergymen in the area.

Church leaders earlier urged the President to put Manero back in jail, saying the ex-convict's mere presence was sowing "fear" in a southern diocese.

Bishop Romulo Valles of the southern diocese of Kidapawan, near Tulunan, said the release of Manero was hampering the prosecution of Arsenio Villamor, the eighth suspect and alleged mastermind in the Favali murder case.

"The release of Manero causes so much fear that the witnesses are unable to testify," Valles said.

In Davao City, Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Edgardo Espinosa said Manero could again be recruited as a militiaman provided he meets certain requirements.

"There is no problem with Manero becoming a militiaman again. But he has to signify his intention first and prove his worth," Espinosa said.

Prior to his conviction, Manero had led the now defunct Civilian Home Defense Forces.

Espinosa pointed out that the ex-convict also has to secure proper endorsement from barangay officials in his locality. -- With Efren Danao, Mike Frialde, Edith Regalado