Greco slashes wrist in jail

CEBU, Philippines — Controversial inmate Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez, the son of former governor Gregorio Sanchez, slashed his wrist late Tuesday night at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

Sanchez is safe as he suffered only a superficial wound, said assistant jail warden Audesti Miguel.

Miguel said what happened may have been a suicide attempt.

“There was an attempt, according to the report mismo. Dino-document kasi agad namin. Very maliit na sugat, superficial lang yung wound… yun lang yong pinapalabas nya na nag- laslas sya but the wound is superficial according to report sa nurses,” Miguel said.

The incident happened between 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. while Sanchez was on isolation.

Sanchez used a razor blade, Miguel confirmed. Guards reportedly found razor blades inside the inmate’s cell during inspection.

Miguel said the cancellation of his privileges such as visitation may have pushed Sanchez to hurt himself.

“Self-inflicted yung ginawa nya, eh, or because of the fact na the inmates have privileges and privileges are subject to regulation. Syempre, limang beses ka na nahulihan ng contraband items so you don’t have privilege visitation,” Miguel said.

Investigation is ongoing at the provincial jail following the confiscation of mobile phones from Sanchez, the fifth of which was seized only in the last week of October.

Sanchez landed at CPDRC for possession of unlicensed firearms and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on July 9 at his farm in Tuburan town.

Explanation

Sanchez’ wife, Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro-Sanchez, said yesterday she will ask Governor Hilario Davide to explain why her husband was placed in isolation, something that allegedly violates human rights.

"I'm going to the Governor's office tomorrow to demand an explanation why he issued a memo for my husband's isolation. It's against human rights. Ngano i-condemn nila asawa ko nga Greco is just a victim! Like anybody else, my husband deserves respect and more love. He may be spoiled but he never is a brat. Two cellphones lang and this governor made my husband's life a hell. My husband does not deserve condemnation but our love. He is just a victim! Wa siya mang-apak tawon," reads her text message to The Freeman.

"Why until today naka bartolina siya? Thrice didto ko to visit my husband pero I was denied access despite my being a lawyer, fiscal o his wife. Asa naman tawon ang tawhanong katungod to be with each other for better or for worse? A vow we made before God,” she added.

Before the incident, Sanchez reportedly told her he was getting tired.

 “KAPOY NA KO BAI… those were the words of my husband before siya naglaslas,” the prosecutor said further.

Sanchez’s elder sister, former Provincial Board member Grecilda “Gigi’ Sanchez, refused to comment on the incident. — With Mylen P. Manto (FREEMAN)