Jalosjos supporters prepare grand welcome

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/21/2009 1:04 AM

Fans and supporters of former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos have been busy preparing for the former lawmaker's return to Zamboanga after he was released from jail Wednesday.

Jalosjos is expected to return to Zamboanga del Norte Saturday. In anticipation of his return, excited residents from Dapitan City have made streamers, bearing words on how much they love and miss Jalosjos, which they plan to hang along roads in the area. Some residents have also hung their "Welcome" streamers along a major road.

Although Jalosjos was convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl in 1997, some supporters like Linda Tan and Felicidad Saavedra say they do not care about the case and are very happy that their idol will be coming home. They said they admire the ex-congressman for his humility and for the help he extended to poor people in the area.

Some Dapitan residents, however, questioned the former congressman's release from jail. They asked why the government chose Jalosjos over other prisoners.

Jalosjos was released from the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City following an order of release issued by the Bureau of Corrections after 11 years of imprisonment.

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.--With reports from Weng Tumamao, ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao, and Trini L. Velasco, ABS-CBN Caraga.

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