Freedom for 13 ‘ill’ Ninoy killers?
Thirteen of the 15 convicted killers of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and his military-tagged assassin Rolando Galman who are still in prison could be freed by the end of the month because of their deteriorating health, the Public Attorney’s Office said yesterday.
Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta said she would recommend to President Arroyo the granting of executive clemency to the 13 former soldiers: Rolando de Guzman, 55; Rogelio Moreno, 51; Claro Lat, 59; Ernesto Mateo, 53; Felizardo Taran, 51; Mario Lazaga, 54; Filomeno Miranda, 59; Ruben Aquino, 57; Romeo Bautista, 57; Rodolfo Desolong, 62; Arnulfo de Mesa, 48; Jesus Castro, 58; and Arnulfo Artates, 53.
The 14th convicted killer, former master sergeant Pablo Martinez, was released last November after Mrs. Arroyo granted him executive clemency upon reaching the age of 70.
The 15th, former airman first class Cordova Estelo, was killed in a rumble at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa in 2005.
Acosta said all the 13 former soldiers need to get executive clemency is a certification from the Department of Health that they are suffering from “life-threatening illness.”
The 13 former soldiers have been qualified for executive clemency since 1996, she added.
Acosta said based on the certification made the other day by Dr. Maria Cristina Martinez, who was sent by Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo to check on their conditions, the 13 inmates are suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, cerebro-vascular dyslipidemia and urinary and renal tract infection.
“Hoping and praying that Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the highest interest of restorative justice and equity, would give executive clemency in favor of these military personnel as soon as possible,” read Acosta’s letter of Jan. 9 to lawyer Reynaldo Bayang, executive director of the Board of Parole and Pardons.
Acosta also sent a letter to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Director Oscar Calderon of the New Bilibid Prisons.
The 13 convicted killers of Aquino and Galman are serving life terms at the national penitentiary.
The granting of pardon to
- Latest
- Trending
