Driver in SUV that hit soldier in Ninoy murder faces no raps

MANILA, Philippines - No criminal charges have been filed against the driver of a sports utility vehicle that hit and killed one of the aviation security officers convicted in the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. last Monday.

Southern Police District (SPD) director, Chief Supt. Jose Erwin Villacorte said charges were not filed against Henry Roque, the driver of the SUV that killed former M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, 78, while the latter was biking along Roxas Boulevard at around 7 a.m.

“There was an amicable settlement between parties,” said Villacorte Saturday.

Villacorte earlier told the Star that Martinez  agreed to an amicable settlement with Roque before the former soldier died.  Villacorte added that Roque also agreed to compensate the family of the victim.

“That was the reason that the driver of the SUV, Henry Roque, was released from police custody,” he said.

Roque, a Philippine Airlines employee, allegedly tried to escape but was arrested after he got stuck in traffic.

Martinez’s son Diomedes reportedly sought a thorough investigation of the incident, saying there could be foul play.

Court records showed that Martinez, of the defunct Aviation Security Command, was under orders to kill Rolando Galman if the latter backed out from assassinating Aquino at the last minute.

Martinez, who maintained that Galman killed Aquino and was in turn shot dead, was released from maximum security prison on Nov. 23, 2007 after he was pardoned by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.