2 ex-soldiers convicted in Aquino-Galman murders freed

MANILA, Philippines - Two more former soldiers convicted for the killing of former Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Rolando Galman in 1983 were freed Friday after serving their sentences. In an interview on dzBB radio, Bart Bustamante of the Bureau of Corrections said Felizardo Taran and Rolando de Guzman were released from detention after the two completed serving their sentences. "Na-serve nila ang maximum term sentence na 34 taon (They served the maximum term sentence of 34 years)," Bustamante said. The official noted that their double life sentence had been commuted to a minimum of 29 years and a maximum of 34 years. Also factored in was good conduct time allowance, he said. Bustamante said de Guzman, who is suffering from health problems, was brought to a hospital upon his release from the national penitentiary. With the release of the two, Bustamante said only 10 of the accused will remain in jail. So far, only former Sgt. Pablo Martinez was released after President Arroyo pardoned him in December 2007, after he reached age 70. On the other hand, Cordova Estelo and Mario Lazaga died in prison. - GMANews.TV