12 convicts to Noynoy: Don't block pardon

MANILA, Philippines – The 12 remaining soldiers convicted in the Aquino-Galman double murder case wrote Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III a letter asking him “not to oppose pardon” that may come their way.

“We have suffered… We hope that you will not oppose the pardon that we are asking and that may be given to us,” the soldiers said in their one-page letter.

The soldiers, confined at the Maximum Security Detention of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP), were one in saying that despite being locked up in jail, they continue “to be good Christians inside the prison by taking part in the holy Mass as lay ministers, sacristans and servers.”

“We even joined groups promoting rehabilitation, reformation and even sports

activities inside the prison compound,” the letter read.

The letter was signed by Capt. Romeo Bautista, 2Lt. Jesus Castro, Sergeants Claro Lat, Arnulfo de Mesa, Filomeno Miranda, Rolando de Guzman, Ernesto Mateo, Rodolfo Desolong, Ruben Aquino and Arnulfo Artates, supposed gunman Constable Rogelio Moreno, and Airman 1st Class Felizardo Taran.

Though old and sickly, the 12 soldiers have been patiently waiting to be released from prison by virtue of an executive clemency and the forgiveness of the Aquino family.

Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office, cited the cases of De Mesa, De Guzman, Artates and Taran as those that are very urgent.

“De Mesa has diabetes. De Guzman suffered from a brain stroke in July last year. Artates, on the other hand, already has a serious kidney ailment while Taran has been frequently ill,” Acosta said.

She added that the rest of the surviving soldiers were all diagnosed to be hypertensive and some of them also have diabetes.

“They are already qualified for presidential pardon since they already served 25 years in prison. In those years that passed, all of them became sickly. Even the Department of Health issued a certification of their worsening health condition, aside from similar findings released by the NBP doctors,” Acosta said.

She said they would pursue talks with Sen. Aquino so that those who remain in jail will be finally granted forgiveness by the Aquino family.

Acosta expressed hopes that eventually, the heart of the late senator’s son and namesake will soften for the 12 soldiers.

“We are not giving up. It is a good sign that former President Cory Aquino has already responded positively to our appeal,” Acosta said.

A total of 16 soldiers were convicted in the Aquino-Galman double murder case.

Brig. Gen. Luther Custodio died of cancer in prison in 1991, while Airman 1st Class Cordova Estelo was stabbed dead by another inmate in 2005.

Sergeant Mario Lazaga, who was suffering from hypertension and diabetes, died last March.

Master Sergeant Pablo Martinez, a colleague of Lazaga, was released from detention in November last year.

The 70-year-old Martinez has become sickly and is said to be also suffering from hypertension, diabetes and ulcer.

President Arroyo granted Martinez conditional pardon based on her declaration that inmates who reach the age of 70 are eligible for pardon and should eventually be released from prison.