4 rebels granted pardon

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said it is about time to release the convicted rebels, noting that they have already served at least 18 years and up to 26 years To date, about 434 NDF members are still held in various detention centers throughout the coun

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an order granting presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted for murder and kidnapping, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Friday.

Bello, the government's chief peace negotiator with the National Democratic Front (NDF), said the four prisoners who were granted pardon were Martin Villanueva, Bonifacio Suyom, Dindo Absalon, and Rico Bodino.

Villanueva and Suyom were convicted for kidnapping while Absalon and Bodino served time for murder.

Bello said it is about time to release the convicted rebels, noting that they have already served at least 18 years and up to 26 years.

“These rebels have long been recommended for pardon but the previous government did not sign the draft order to release them,” Bello said.

“We are giving them the justice they deserve, regardless of their guilt or innocence. They deserve to be freed,” he said.

Denied

During the Aquino administration, the release of the four political prisoners had been considered by the Presidential committee on bail, recognizance and pardon (PCBREP). The request, however, was not granted.

The old PCREB guidelines only allowed releases on bail, recognizance or pardon for the offenses committed on or before 1998. This does not cover those detained during the Arroyo and Aquino administrations.

Guidelines

Under the new guidelines, all offenses committed as of July 1 this year are now covered by the PCREB guidelines.

Bello said the release of four pardoned detainees is part of the continuing commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte to free detained communist rebels.

To date, about 434 NDF members are still held in various detention centers throughout the country.

Bello said three more suspected communist rebels serving time but awaiting final entry of judgment are also due for release, pending legal requirements from the courts.

He, however, said that a draft already has already been prepared for their pardon.

"They cannot avail themselves of a presidential pardon or executive clemency while their appeals are pending and awaiting final entry of judgment," he said.

Bello also said that the names of 200 detained rebels were also submitted for review and approval by appropriate government agencies.

He said the government peace panel had recommended the immediate release of 21 sick detainees, three other elderly suspected rebels, and one woman detainee.