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The 10 remaining convicts of the Aquino-Galman double murder case walked out of their detention cells as free men Wednesday afternoon.

Radio dzBB's Lito Laparan said the convicts were released past 3 p.m. after Public Assistance Office (PAO) chief Persida Reuda-Acosta handed over the release order to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Acosta had been helping the victims secure the pardon from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

On March 2, President Arroyo handed down an order of commutation. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez signed the release order Wednesday morning.

Those who were granted executive clemency were:

* Ruben Aquino

* Arnulfo Artates

* Romeo Bautista

* Jesus Castro

* Arnulfo De Mesa

* Rodolfo Desolong

* Claro Lat

* Ernesto Mateo

* Filomeno Miranda

* Rogelio Moreno

The report said they were transported to the Evangelista Medical Hospital in San Pedro, Laguna where they will undergo medical check-up.

The convicts have been incarcerated for 26 years for the killing of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman on Aug. 21, 1983. Last month, two other convicts, former Sergeants Felizardo Taran Jr. and Rolando de Guzman were also released.

Healing political wounds

In a press briefing at Malacañang, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the clemency was part of President Arroyo's 10-point agenda, which includes healing the political wounds that the three EDSA revolts caused.

"Let’s hope it would. One of 10 point agenda is healing [the] wounds of EDSA...we should not think of any other motive" Ermita said.

Ermita also explained that the convicts' original life sentence was up to 40-years of imprisonment with a commutation of 28-34 years.

"They have served more than 31 yrs, 8 mos. They are within the range they are eligible for parole. It behooves upon the action of the BuCor which is under DOJ. Multiple serious illnesses certified by BuCor and DOH [were also considered by the President.] With that as basis the recommendation was approved by the President," he said.

Abuse of power

For his part, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III condemned the release of his father’s murderers, saying the President abused her powers to grant clemency.

In a separate radio report, Aquino was quoted as saying that the clemency was a solid proof of injustice under the Arroyo administration.

He added the soldiers’ released is part of the continuing cover up - the very reason why until now the mastermind behind his father’s murder remains unknown. - GMANews.TV

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