Aquino-Galman murder convict freed by Arroyo

After more than 21 years, one of the convicts in the Aquino-Galman double murder case in 1983 walked away a free man Thursday.

Pablo Martinez went out of the New Bilibid Prison after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered his release on humanitarian reasons.

"Masaya ako dahil makasama ko ang aking pamilya, anak ko, aking manugang (I am happy because I can finally be with my family, my children and my in-laws)," Martinez said in an interview on dzMM radio.

While Martinez maintained it was Rolando Galman who shot dead former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr when he returned from the United States on August 21, 1983, the freed convict appealed to Aquino's widow, former President Corazon Aquino, for forgiveness.

"Kung nakikinig man kayo Madam Cory Aquino patawarin ninyo ako sa nagawa kong pagkakasala noon (If you are listening Madam Cory, I ask for your forgiveness)," Martinez said.

Last August, the 14 convicts – including Martinez – who were sentenced to double life sentences for the Aquino-Galman double murder asked for executive clemency from President Arroyo.

The group, through their lawyer, Public Attorney's Office Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, said they are already qualified for presidential pardon since by August 21 after having served 24 years in prison. - GMANews.TV