10 convicts in Aquino-Galman case pardoned

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has granted executive clemency to the 10 remaining convicts in the Aquino-Galman double murder case, a television report said Tuesday. In her exclusive report in QTV's "News on Q," Pia Arcanghel said an overjoyed Persida Acosta of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) vowed to have the convicts released by Wednesday. "Araw-araw panalangin ko sa Diyos sana makalaya sila [Everyday I prayed to God for ther release]," Acosta said. Those who were granted clemency by the President were: * Ruben Aquino * Arnulfo Artates * Romeo Bautista * Jesus Castro * Arnulfo De Mesa * Rodolfo Desolong * Claro Lat * Ernesto Mateo * Filomeno Miranda * Rogelio Moreno The convicts have incarcerated for 26 years for the killing of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman. To recall, two other convicts, former Sergeants Felizardo Taran Jr. and Rolando de Guzman, had already been released last February. Acosta said they are yet to receive a copy of the release order from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCOR). - GMANews.TV