Three in Chiongs’ rape-slay due for release? Faeldon denies signatures

Three of the convicts in the abduction, rape and killing of the sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong appear to already have release orders, documents obtained by GMA News indicated.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras," Bureau of Corrections director-general Nicanor Faeldon, however, denied that he signed any of the documents given by a source.

The orders were reportedly for the release of convicts Rowen Adlawan, Alberto Caño and Ariel Balansag.

Thelma Chiong, the mother of the sisters, is concerned that the convicts would be released on account of a law on reduced prison terms due to good behavior.

The processing of the release of inmates due to Republic Act 10592 was suspended after news broke about ex-Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez's expected release due to good conduct.

Sanchez and his co-accused were sentenced in 1995 to seven terms of up to 40 years for the rape-slay of UP student Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her friend Allan Gomez.

Officials have since said that Sanchez was not qualified to benefit from RA 10592 because of the heinous nature of his crimes.

"Parang mahirap 'yan mangyari kasi merong agreement sa abolishing of death penalty law, na there is no parole, no pardon," said Thelma Chiong, mother of the Chiong sisters.

"Ang kanila lang is executive clemency from the president. So it cannot be na ma-counted for siya for release of good moral conduct," she added.

Aside from Adlawan, Caño and Balansag, the other convicts in the Chiong case were Francisco Juan Larrañaga, Josman Aznar, James Andrew Uy, James Anthony Uy.

It was in July 1997 that Marijoy and Jacqueline were abducted, raped and killed in Cebu.

Marijoy's remains was recovered at a ravine in Carcar. Jacqueline's body was never found.

The seven accused were convicted in May 5, 1999. They were sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 2004, the Supreme Court upgraded their sentence to death.

Uy, who was a minor at the time the crimes were committed, would have to remain in prison for life. —NB, GMA News