By Joyce Pangco Pa?ares

The Department of Justice has recommended the granting of presidential pardon or any form of executive clemency for the 10 soldiers who were convicted for the murder of Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez made the recommendation in a letter to President Arroyo dated Jan. 28, and was supported by Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches national director Bishop Efraim Tendero in a separate formal appeal to the Palace.

?This recommendation is being made and reiterated in the highest interest of restorative justice which we all support to prevail in our country,? Gonzalez said.

Former Sergeants Felizardo Taran Jr. and Rolando de Guzman were earlier freed from the New Bilibid Prisons after Mrs. Arroyo commuted their sentences this month.

Both of them also wrote Mrs. Arroyo a letter seeking the immediate release of their colleagues.

Gonzalez said executive clemency should already be granted to the other convicts since the soldiers have already served their sentences for more than 25 years with good conduct of time allowance.

The Justice chief noted that even former President Corazon Aquino has already signified her pardon for the convicts.

Doctors from the Health Department and the NBP have likewise certified that all of the convicted soldiers are suffering from multiple serious diseases.

Bishop Tendero also appealed to Mrs. Arroyo to pardon the convicted killers for ?humanitarian considerations? in his letter dated Feb. 12.

Those awaiting executive clemency are Arnulfo Artates, Romeo Bautista, Jesus Castro, Ruben Aquino, Arnulfo de Mesa, Rodolfo Desolong, Claro Lat, Ernesto Mateo, Felomino Miranda and Rogelio Moreno.