A DAY after he arrived back home in Dapitan, convicted child rapist Romeo Jalosjos was escorted to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga.
A police team led by Zamboanga Police Director Jaime Caringal escorted the former congressman to the penal facility, even as Jalosjos accused them of violating his rights and vowed to “throw them the book,” said a report on ABS-CBN.
Meanwhile, a Malacañang official said that Bureau of Corrections Director Ricardo Dapat should answer to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez for releasing the ex-congressman last Saturday, despite orders to halt his discharge, pending a review of his prison records.
Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol said it would be up to Gonzalez to take the necessary actions.
He reiterated that Jalosjos was not given any pardon by Malacañang, and that what the President earlier granted was a commutation of his two life sentences to 16 years in prison.
Jalosjos was convicted of two counts of statutory rape in 1997 and six counts of acts of lasciviousness. His victim was an 11-year-old girl.
He was initially given a release order by jail officials after his 16-year term ended this month, but the Justice Department blocked the release order.
Jalosjos flew to Dapitan Saturday where he was welcomed by his former constituents, but was arrested again early yesterday morning. He was brought to Zamboanga City for custody.
“We have done our part. We have taken him back into government custody,” said PNP Director General Avelino Razon, who described Jalosjos as “technically, an escaped felon.”
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that the justice department is investigating how Jalosjos managed to leave the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa, despite the cancelled release order.
Jalosjos’ lawyer, Alfredo Jimenez, questioned the absence of a written order for his client’s arrest and said they will press charges against those behind the “illegal” operation.
The former congressman told ABS-CBN he was frustrated and disappointed by the turn of events, “but I can afford to sacrifice. I’m willing to suffer more.” (Sunnex/With ABS-CBN)
