5 suspects in Abadilla murder seek compassion, help from priest

MANILA, Philippines - As they marked their 12th year in detention, five men jailed for the 1996 murder of former Col. Rolando Abadilla pleaded with a Filipino priest for "compassion and help" on their plight. Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said Tuesday the so-called Abadilla 5 brought their case to running priest Robert Reyes, seeking his help through a letter dated June 13. "(We have been) languishing in prison for 12 long years in spite of being unjustly charged, sentenced to death, and affirmed with modification to reclusion perpetua upon repeal of the Death Penalty Law," they said in the handwritten letter. They said they recognize Reyes' sacrifices and efforts, and said they would be "grateful for any favor or preference" he may extend on the matter. Signing the letter were Lenido Lumanog, Rameses de Jesus, Cesar Fortuna, Augusto Santos and Joel de Jesus. Reyes, who is a researcher for the AHRC, had been involved in the case since 1999. AHRC noted the letter "comes at an opportune time between the 12th anniversary of the murder of Col. Rolando Abadilla and the International Day against Torture on June 26." The five are presently detained at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. Earlier, the five men filed a torture case with the Office of the Military and Other Law Enforcement Agencies Offices (MOLEO) upon recommendation of the Commission on Human Rights. AHRC said that while Fr. Reyes appreciates the detainee's recognition, he "nevertheless urges others to likewise get involved by consistently following up the Abadilla Five case." "He likewise urged others to reflect on the detainee's case and their plight," the AHRC said. "The plight of the Abadilla Five is but a small fraction of cases involving prisoners and detainees who continue to endure prolonged detention in Philippine jails as they wait for the just resolution of their pending cases in court," AHRC added. AHRC noted that the prisoners' appeal on May 5 before the Supreme Court challenging a decision by the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirms their conviction for murder, remains pending. - GMANews.TV