DOJ chief signs release papers of priest-killer

(Updated 4:39 p.m.) Norberto Manero Jr, the man who killed Italian missionary Tulio Favali more than two decades ago, is a free man. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Friday signed the resolution for Manero's release from the national penitentiary. “Basically we just upheld what has been recommended by the Bureau of Corrections," Gonzalez said of Manero’s release. Gonzalez added that aside from signing the release papers, he also added some explanations regarding the supposed reforms of the clemency issued during the term of President Fidel Ramos. Manero was given a 20- to 40-year jail term for the murder of Favali in 1985. However, Ramos ordered the sentence to be commuted to a definite prison term of 24 years. Manero has been incarcerated since April 1985, first in Cotabato CityApril, then in the New Bilibid Prison (BP) in 1987. Manero was supposed to be released last week but Gonzalez said he had to review the case. Under Article 126 of the Revised Penal Code, the penalty for arbitrary detention shall be imposed to any public officer or employee who delays the release of a prisoner. Gonzalez signed the resolution and handed it over to lawyer Persida Acosta, Public Attorney's Office head, who would bring the resolution to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Acosta, who stands as Manero's counsel, earlier said her client would be freed within 24 hours. Meanwhile, visiting the burial site of Favali will be one of the immediate plans of freed killer Manero upon his release. Radio dzRH reported Friday afternoon that Manero’s sister-in-law Leonor said that aside from a family reunion, Manero's plans include visiting the burial site of his victim as "an act of penance." On the other hand, Manero’s grandchildren said they were “very happy" that their grandfather would be free “at last." “Syempre masaya. Gumaan din ang loob namin lumaya siya at last (Of course we’re happy. He’s free at last, that’s a big relief)," one of the grandchildren told dzBB radio. Public Attorney’s Office head Persida Acosta arrived at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City shortly before 3 p.m., but Manero had yet to come out as of 4 p.m. Acosta brought with her the endorsement signed by Gonzalez that would facilitate Manero’s release. - GMANews.TV