Possible release for ex-mayor Sanchez sparks fear among some Calauan residents

The people of Calauan, Laguna are especially eager to learn whether or not their former mayor Antonio Sanchez would be released from jail.

The convicted rapist and murderer is known to have several supporters in town, but some residents were reluctant to share their opinions after possibilities amid reports that he could walk out of jail soon.

According to Darlene Cay's report on Unang Balita on Friday, some residents approached by the news  team declined to go on camera due to the fear of getting involved in the issue.

Over two decades ago,  Sanchez was named mastermind behind the 1993 rape-slay of UP Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her friend Allan Gomez.

Sarmenta was shot in the face after being abducted and reportedly presented as a "gift" to Sanchez, who raped her. His aides, on the other hand, beat up Gomez who was later also shot dead.

The possible release of Sanchez from prison became a hot topic after Republic Act No. 10592 was recently made retroactive by the Supreme Court. The 2013 law on reduced terms due to good conduct time allowances was said to result in the possible release of thousands of inmates in the next few months due to recomputed good behavior credits.

Amid the outrage, Bureau of Corrections director Nicanor Faeldon said it could "take years" before Sanchez is released on account of entitlements under Republic Act 10592.

The victims' families, however, have expressed their grief, anguish and doubt. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News