Pardon for Asturias massacre killer opposed

CEBU – The families of the three farmers who were massacred by members of a paramilitary unit in the mountains of Asturias town 17 years ago have objected to the move to grant executive clemency to one of the convicted killers of the victims.

Antonieta Dorado, a resident of barangay Baye, Asturias is asking President Gloria Arroyo to reject the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole to grant executive clemency to Luchimbar Rojo.

Rojo is one of the three members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit convicted by the court for killing Regalado Dorado, his 17-year-old son Gerry and 14-year-old daughter Rosalie on April 12, 1991.

Dennis Abarrientos, secretary general of cause-oriented group Karapatan, recalled that aside from Rojo, the two other convicts were Benedicto Alfeche and Vicente Maglasang, although only Rojo has been recommended for pardon.

There were two other CAFGU members who were also involved in the incident, but their cases have been put to archive pending their arrest.

In a press conference yesterday, Mrs. Dorado said she received a letter from the Board of Pardons and Parole asking her to comment on the plan to include Rojo among those who will be granted executive clemency by the president.

“Nganong hatagan man siya og executive clemency nga wala man siya mangayo’g pasaylo? Angay g’yod siya’ng prisohon aron mahatagan og hustisya ang akong bana ug duha ka anak,” Dorado said.

The victims were already sleeping inside their house at 11 p.m. of said date when the five CAFGU members arrived and shot and killed Dorado who was the chairman of a farmers’ organization in barangay Baye at that time.

After Dorado was killed, his two children were forcibly taken by the armed men, their bodies were found the following day.

“Gidauban ang ilang mga lawas. Nahibaw-an sab nga gi-rape ang dalagita nga biktima unya gilaslas pa ang totoy,” Abarrientos said.

Mrs. Dorado is afraid that if Rojo would be released from jail, he will kill the other members of the family.

In Manila, the recommendation to also give executive clemency to the son of retired Chief Justice Claudio Tehankee, Sr. has triggered a strong opposition from progressive and human rights groups. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)