What is your opinion on the release of the Aquino-Galman convicts from the NBP?

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 Nick Ocampo, Angeles City: If God pardons all our sins, PGMA’s granting executive clemency to all the killers of Aquino-Galman was only doing what God has already done.

Jun Totañes, Parañaque City: It’s a bit disappointing that after 25 years, the soldiers still stick to their version of Galman being the assassin

Time to put a closure

D. Lazaro, Metro Manila: Great. It’s about time we put closure to the Aquino-Galman murder case, a very controversial case which has done nothing but to polarize our nation and people. The perceived mastermind is already dead and the aggrieved widow of Ninoy is ill. The assassination of Ninoy was purely political and no amount of talks about heroism can change that. Let’s move on!

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: The release of the convicts in the Aquino-Galman murder case is the beginning of knowing who the real masterminds are.

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: Who are we not to forgive? I know it’s difficult to forgive and forget, but these convicts have already paid the price for their alleged crimes. This case will never be settled in the eyes of many Filipinos, especially the Aquinos, but its time to move on. The assassination has not done our country any good.

Reopen the case

Joey Luison, Caloocan City: The release of the Aquino-Galman convicts from the NBP is just timely. If we really want to give justice to Ninoy and the released convicts, the Aquino-Galman families and all concerned sectors of society must support the convicts’ petition for a new trial to pinpoint the real mastermind in the previous century’s “perfect” national political crime.

A grave injustice

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: I would have preferred no pardon for them. They had due process all the way, and the life sentence was not enough to pay for what they did.

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: It’s another self-serving gesture on the part of PGMA so that the sentiments of the Aquino family were never sought prior to the grant of pardon. It’s likely she’s wooing more allies for her to stay beyond 2010.

Dianne Aquino, Caloocan City: I am still a believer of Ninoy’s idealism and principles. I still grieve whenever I recall the way the military killed him by simply following orders.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: I share the same feeling as Sen. Noynoy Aquino. That pardon is injustice. Just because Tita Cory asked forgiveness from Erap, PGMA retaliated by releasing the soldiers.

Voz Butuyan, Pangasinan: The Aquino-Galman suspects should be lynched by a vindictive mob because they killed a hero whom the great majority love.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: This is an episode in RP’s political history when we see and feel a supposedly strong democracy struggle to exist. Must I think Ninoy died for nothing?

They’ve already been made to pay the price

Nito Aquino, Makati City: The convicts in the Aquino-Galman murders were given executive clemency and released for humanitarian records, but not necessarily pardoned.

June Deoferio, Cavite: They deserve to be released because they already served their sentence. They deserve a new lease on life in the outside world.

Glen Reyes, Quezon City: Most of them are already old and sickly. They have suffered imprisonment for almost 25 years. It’s time, I guess, for them to die with their families.

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: They have already served their sentence. Give them the time to recover and change.

Alfred Thieme, Batangas City: With due respect for the Aquino family, the soldiers have already suffered enough for a crime they supposedly committed though it was never proven 100 percent.

Roger Solano, Cavite City: Even if the Aquino-Galman convicts are guilty, they and their families have suffered enough. They deserve their freedom now.

Seth Carranza, Catanduanes: They’ve suffered enough for a crime they probably wouldn’t have committed in the first place, they being lowly soldiers. It’s within the law that they were released. So be it.

Eric Gopilan, Quezon City: Let’s give these convicts a chance. They have suffered enough behind bars and will continue to do so outside the cell.

Norberto Robles, Taguig: Let them go for they have suffered enough. Anyway, whether in or out of jail, they are all dead men walking.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Aside from the pardon, the convicts had already served their terms. It’s just normal for Kris and family to be bitter; let them gripe.

R. Los Baños, Las Piñas City: These soldiers have suffered long enough and their pardon and eventual release went through a long legal process. To say that their pardon was made to spite Cory is too childish. It would have been a greater injustice if we had let these soldiers rot in jail just to please the Aquino family. For all we know, most of them could even be innocent of the crime they were accused of.

Raul Muyong, Miagao, Iloilo: These soldiers served almost a quarter-century in jail; thus, they are qualified to avail of the executive clemency granted to them by the President. They are also citizens of this country, therefore, they deserve justice.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: I do believe that the murder of Ninoy was planned so meticulously that no trace of evidence was left. I tend to believe that they don’t really know who the mastermind was, because they just followed what they were asked to do. Dapat lang na palayain sila kasi they have served their jail terms and have already suffered much. 

They were mere fall guys

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: They really should be freed because they were just fall guys; the real perpetrators of the crime remain free.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: What those Avsecom soldiers executed was a covert operation. Soldiers were trained to obey first, complain later, and they simply followed the order. They deserve to be freed.

Nony de Leon, Malolos City: The soldiers who were jailed for 26 years for the Aquino-Galman killings are victims of a gross miscarriage of justice. They were not guilty.

Vir Lauzon, General Santos City: The Aquino-Galman convicts are fall guys. They deserve to be released.

Valerie Joyce Go, Tacloban City: They already served their sentence, but the sad thing is that the mastermind behind the assassination has not been caught. These convicts are also victims in the sense that they were only used as instruments to the assassination. Released or not, justice has not been served.

Juan Eduardo, Baguio City: Galman, the alleged assassin, operated out of Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija. The cousin of Gen. Custodio, Capt. Arturo Custodio, also from Zaragosa, was Imelda’s personal pilot. The mastermind? Duh!

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: It’s about time that those foot soldiers who were unjustly convicted in Ninoy’s slay should be set free. They were just sacrificial lambs.

Ed Alawi, Davao City: They merely followed the orders of their immediate superior, Gen Custodio. Why didn’t the government then haul Marcos’ generals, Gen. Ver, Gatan, et al. for investigation? It was like torturing a waiter for serving spoiled food when it should be the chef’s responsibility.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: I believe they were just doing their duty that day, but they ended up as small pawns in the strategic maneuverings of the gods and became victims of the tragic consequences.

Arnold Marquez, Bulacan: As soldiers, they had to follow orders from their superior officer, without asking why. They should obey first before they complain. I think they are all victims of big names.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: I believe that the soldiers couldn’t possibly have been direct participants of the very complex conspiracy. Their assigned job was to protect Ninoy and to neutralize anyone who would do him harm. Hanggang doon lang ang alam nila. They were unwitting pawns.

PGMA merely exercised her authority

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: The President just exercised the authority granted her under the Constitution in response to the recommendations of the Board of Pardons and Parole. Those soldiers claim innocence and were convicted by circumstantial evidence. Hence, after 25 years in jail, they had the right to be released under the law.

Mar Ngipol, Metro Manila: The President was just exercising the power of her office when she granted parole to the Aquino-Galman convicts, even if she acted with other vengeful motives.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Their pardon is GMA’s prerogative and its beyond my control. As for the closure of Ninoy’s murder, I leave it all up to God.

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: It’s the President’s prerogative to grant clemency to qualified detainees no matter what crimes they were involved with and whoever the victims were.

They’re qualified for pardon

Jose Fontelar, Quezon City: They deserve to be released; they’ve suffered enough. Not only does the law allow it, but for humanitarian reasons, it is better to free the convicts.

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: The release of the Aquino-Galman convicts from the NBP is morally justified. By international law standards, they were already acquitted and declared innocent by the Sandiganbayan chaired by Justice Manuel Pamaran. Questioned, the Fernando Supreme Court declared the trial proceedings valid.

Ferdinand Rafer, Quezon City: Political vendetta or not, no one can question the fact that these convicts had already served their sentences, and are therefore qualified for pardon.

Dave Velasco, Marinduque: Though it’s understandably hurtful for the Aquino family, indeed it’s right to release convicts for meritorious reasons and according to law.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: It’s just and proper as they have satisfied all the requirements set by law, coupled with humanitarian reasons leading to the granting of pardon by PGMA.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Our clemency laws must be respected amidst the release of Ninoy’s assassins. Even the US can’t claim perfect justice in such cases like JFK’s murder.

Durbin Rantael, Quezon City: Twenty-five years in prison showing good conduct means they’re qualified for parole. The rule of law must prevail as it was given, be it interpreted as vengeance by some or not.

An injustice to Ninoy’s family

Leonard Villa, Batac City: It was justice for the released convicts, but an injustice to the Aquinos. Who was the brains behind the Aquino-Galman murder case? This will haunt us forever.

Patrick Miranda, Marikina City: At least these convicted soldiers will still be able to spend time with their families. The Aquinos lost a father, husband, son and brother. RP lost a great man.

Rose Leobrera, Manila: I believe that telling the truth as to who the culprit (mastermind) was should have been come first to granting pardon to the soldiers. Their release is a mockery of the justice system. That was all scripted and part of a mission. Poor Galman and family. With what has happened, the public will tend to conclude that this is all vendetta.

No love lost between PGMA, Aquinos

Ed Ledesma, Iloilo City: I think it’s a left-handed way of piquing the Aquinos. After all, there’s no love lost between Cory and PGMA.

E. Linsangan, Isabela: The Palace can say give all the reasons to justify the release of the convicted soldiers, but the truth is, it is the price Cory has to pay for calling for GMA’s resignation. I can imagine Ninoy squirming in his grave.

Richard Decena, Quezon City: Consistent naman po sa pagpapalaya ng mga kriminal ang Arroyo government. Iba po magalit ang mga babae pag tinoyo. Swerte naman ng mga ex-convicts, lalo na po yung utak ng pagpatay.

Perry Cruz, Parañaque City: The release of the convicts in the Aquino-Galman murder case clearly showed the vindictiveness of the present regime. What else can you call it?

Their release is long overdue

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: This is long overdue. It’s sad that not many laymen understand our penology, particularly the provision on parole. I reckon rather that the delay was due to anticipated reactions from political, sentimental, militant sectors.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Remorseful or not of the crime they had committed, the fact remains that they have already dutifully served their sentence.

Digoy Coro, Batangas: It’s long overdue. They are innocents and pawns in that big conspiracy.

A Christian act

M.T. Vicedo, Metro Manila: It was just fair, humane and Christian as these soldiers and their families have already suffered much. Kris and the rest of the Aquino family should be more forgiving. Yes, they grieved for they lost a father, and Cory, a husband, but the convicts’ families were also left with nothing but humiliation, poverty, fear and worse, daily agony.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: The convicted soldiers already served their sentences and deserve their freedom. Cory, a practicing Catholic, wouldn’t find it hard to forgive and accept it.

Jose Sevilla Jr., Quezon City: Our God is an ever-forgiving God, so we must be likewise. The convicts, like Ninoy, may have been victims, too. The real criminals may be dead or alive.

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: I agree with GMA’s act as it was done within the letter of the law and in consideration of the soldiers’ age and health. It was a humane act to make.

No political will to serve justice

Delfin Todcor, Mt. Province: The mass pardon of the convicted soldiers is a demonstration of the lack of political will to find justice for the aggrieved parties.

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: Sana ni-release sila after they made an admission of guilt and an apology to the Aquinos. They still insist on the Galman theory and they never showed any remorse.

Col Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: They may be entitled to it for ,they were incarcerated for so long, but all of them say they were just following orders. From whom? They were mute, not even remorseful, di ba?

No sufficient evidence

Kix Avellano, Camarines Norte: More than two decades is enough for the convicted in the Aquino-Galman murder case to be freed. There was no sufficient evidence to prove that they were the assailants of Ninoy. God loves everyone, even sinners. He forgives us all.

Mario Tejada, Ilocos Norte: For a very delicate mission such as killing Ninoy, secrecy is very important. It is highly probable that only a number of the Avsecom men at the tarmac had knowledge of the plan. So, I am in favor of the release of these people, most of whom I believe are innocent and whose lives were wasted in prison for a crime they didn’t commit. If one or some of these released prisoners are the real culprits, let them die with guilt weighing heavily upon their conscience.

Cory could have found out the truth

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: First, the convicts were already entitled to pardon after serving more than 25 years and showing good conduct while serving their sentence. Second, the Board of Pardon and Parole recommended their pardon and release. PGMA’s approval was not through her caprice or vengeance, but through proper recommendation from the Board. I recognize the feelings of the Aquino family, who lost a man, a husband, a father and a friend, but can they not consider the feelings of the convicts who only followed orders, not knowing the brains and reasons behind them? My recollection is that these people were convicted as “accessories” to the crime. The mastermind has always been free.

Joel Caluag, Bulacan: If they are eligible for release, so be it. Former Pres. Cory had all the time and resources to find out who the mastermind was during her term.

Felix Ramento, Manila: The Aquino-Galman convicts have suffered more than enough for their part as soldiers in a covert military operation. The real culprits were the officers. Cory then was in the best position to go after them, what with all the spoils for the victors that were up for grabs at the time.

They also deserve mercy and forgiveness

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: These people also deserve mercy and forgiveness. Granting them presidential pardon is timely.

Danilo Ysmael, Canlubang: God forgives, so why cant we?, I think they’ve already suffered enough, I think forgiveness is the ultimate justice that we can submit to God.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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