GMA orders manhunt for Aquino-Galman witness

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to track down and seek the extradition of ex-Air Force captain Felipe Valerio, who is reportedly a key witness in the assassination of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and his alleged killer Rolando Galman Jr., for the possible reopening of the case, officials said yesterday.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President took note of reports that Valerio, who reportedly fled to the US in 1986, could hold the key to unmasking the mastermind in the Aquino assassination.

Mrs. Arroyo granted executive clemency last week to the remaining 10 convicts in the Aquino-Galman case. The move triggered protests from the Aquino family, particularly from Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who branded it as an “injustice.”

Lawyers for the convicts, particularly Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, maintained that they were innocent and pushed for the reopening of the case.

“So the first thing being done now, according to (Justice) Secretary Raul Gonzalez, (is that) he has been instructed by the President to initiate moves to try and locate Valerio. And if he will be located, for him to be extradited back to the Philippines,” Remonde said.

“And once he is extradited, for him to be charged, if there is evidence, that is the only way that the case can be reopened,” he added.

At the time of the assassination, Valerio was head of a 10-man team from the defunct Aviation Security Command assigned to escort Aquino from the airport.

However, his whereabouts now remain unknown, according to Remonde.

“Before we can apply for the extradition of Valerio, we should know where he is,” he said.

He maintained there was no politics behind the move to free the 10 convicts as he pointed out that various religious groups, including Catholic and Protestant bishops, appealed for their release.

He also said Mrs. Arroyo’s granting of executive clemency was ministerial as the DOJ had thoroughly processed their applications for pardon.

“Many of them are already sick, some of them died in prison,” Remonde said.