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Sunday, December 23, 2007
Jalosjos back in Dapitan; followers to block arrest
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Convicted rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos arrived in Dapitan City Saturday, apparently without the justice department's knowledge.
Jalosjos remained in the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa for almost a week despite the release order signed by Bureau of Corrections Director Ricardo Dapat, after Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez stopped his release.
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Gonzalez, however, was unaware of Saturday's development, but assured that the convicted congressman will be arrested again.
Dapitan City Councilor Apple Marie Agolong told Sun.Star that Jalosjos arrived in Dapitan City 5 p.m. Saturday on a private plane.
He later proceeded to the Dapitan City Cultural Center, where about 3,000 people were gathered.
According to Agolong, Jalosjos told the townspeople that he left Manila "legally and freely."
The former congressman further told them there was no other order revoking his earlier discharge order.
Jalosjos was supposed to walk out of prison last Dec. 16 but Gonzalez stopped his release, saying it was premature and not authorized by the department.
As of press time Saturday night, Jalosjos was meeting his lawyers together with the 22 towns mayors of Zamboanga del Norte, while his supporters gathered outside the City Hall and at the city plaza to show support.
Jalosjos was convicted of raping an 11-year old girl in 1996.
Now, his supporters are vowing to block law enforcement authorities who try to arrest the former congressman.
Reports gathered by Sun.Star indicate that Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Jaime Caringal is on his way to Dapitan to serve the arrest order on Jalosjos.
The Bureau of Corrections signed the release orders after a review of his case showed that the sentence imposed on the former lawmaker has expired.
Jalosjos had been handed a double life sentence, imposed by a lower court and affirmed by the Supreme Court. But President Arroyo reduced Jalosjos' penalty to 16 years earlier this year. (With reports from Bong Garcia/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (December 23, 2007 issue)
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