Seven Magdalo soldiers involved in the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007 have asked permission from the Makati Regional Trial Court to temporarily leave detention to register as voters for the 2010 national elections and file their certificates of candidacy before the October 31 deadline.

Apparently following the footsteps of detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Lt. Sg. Andy Torrato, Lt. Sg. Manuel Cabochan, Lt. Sg. Arturo Pascua,1st Lt. Billy Pascua, 2nd Lt. Jonnel Sangalang, Ens. Armand Pontejos, and Capt. Segundino Orfiano, Jr. aired the request in a five-page motion submitted to Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati RTC branch 150.

In their joint manifestation, compliance and urgent motion, the mutinous soldiers said they have asked and granted permission by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to leave their detention at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

Through a representative, the soldiers earlier negotiated the request with Chief Supt. Franklin Alfabeto, director of the PNP Headquarters Support Service. Alfabeto then referred them to Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario, but the latter told the group to seek the court’s consent first.

“When Ms. Mara Villapando (accused’s representative) spoke with Apolinario, the latter confirmed that there would be no problem about escorting the accused-movants if and when they are allowed to travel by the Honorable Court in order to register as voters. Apolinario further stated that the PNP would be willing and ready to comply so long as there is an order from the Honorable Court to this effect,” the motion reads.

The group said they have decided to limit their request and travel in the interest of security and resources of the PNP.

“Accused-movants likewise manifest that they have conferred and discussed among themselves to voluntarily limit their motions/requests to only three of the accused in order not to unduly strain the resources of the PNP,” it added.

As such, Cabochan of Cavite province, Billy Pascua of Pasay City, and Orfiano of Makati City will constitute the first batch of accused that will leave detention. Orfiano asked to visit the Commission on Elections office in Makati on October 21, while Pascua on October 19, and Cabochan on October 23. Cabochan also requested permission so he can visit his ailing mother.