‘Political detainees can only be released on order by courts’

Forty-nine political detainees, including 20 suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front members accused of involvement in the Dec. 30 terrorist bombings in Metro Manila, can only be released on orders of a competent court, Malacañang said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Renato de Villa told reporters he had sent a memorandum to President Arroyo recommending freedom for the 49 detainees after a "special committee" had reviewed their cases.

The special committee is comprised of the secretaries of national defense, justice, and interior and local government.

"This is not a release order because these persons are already facing charges in court and we have no authority to overrule the courts," he said. "They would be released through bail or recognizance upon order of respective judges."

In the memorandum, De Villa said the list was made up of "persons detained or convicted of crimes committed in furtherance of their political beliefs."

De Villa said detainees who are unable to post bail would be released to reputable and prominent members of their communities.

"The court will determine if they can’t pay," he said. "If that’s the case, they will be released to a custodian."

De Villa said the release of a detainee would be suspended if families of their victims protest their temporary liberty or release from prison.

De Villa said another batch of 26 political detainees had been recommended for parole or pardon and may soon be freed after their papers have been processed. – Liberty Dones