Former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos left prison Wednesday morning after serving a 16-year jail sentence for the rape of a minor.

A radio dzMM report said Jalosjos left National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City past 9 a.m. accompanied by his wife.

Jalosjos was convicted by a Makati City court in 1997 for two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness under the Revised Penal Code. His victim was an 11-year-old girl.

He was initially sentenced to two life terms and was ordered to pay P400,000 in civil indemnity and P400,000 in moral damages but his sentence was commuted by President Arroyo to 16 years, three months and three days on June 13, 2007.

The convicted child rapist was reportedly freed in recognition of the several good deeds he has done while in detention, which includes demonstrating good behavior and helping improve the NBP’s facilities.

Last February, the Department of Justice confirmed that it might release Jalosjos more than ten years after his conviction.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said his office has received a letter from the Bureau of Corrections recommending Jalosjos’ release from the New Bilibid Prisons.

According to BuCor officials, the former congressman had already served his 16-year jail sentence as of December 14, 2008.

Gonzalez said his office is reviewing BuCor's computation of Jalosjos' sentence. He said keeping prisoners in jail after they have served their sentence is arbitrary detention.