No order to return Jalosjos to prison – Zambo mayors

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Allies and sympathizers of convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos insist there’s no justification for his continued detention and they plan to dramatize their protest in a “peace rally” tomorrow in Dipolog City.

The Zamboanga del Norte League of Municipalities of the Philippines, which spearheads the rally, passed separate resolutions condemning Jalosjos’ detention at the San Ramon Penal Colony here and urged his followers to wear black armbands as a show of protest. Rally participants are also expected to denounce Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez for ordering the arrest of Jalosjos shortly after the latter left the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and flew on a private aircraft to his home province on Dec. 22.

“During the rally, they will light candles to signify the death of democracy in the country,” rally coordinator Ed Fernandez said.

They said there was no re-commitment order from the Department of Justice or a transfer memorandum to back his detention at San Ramon. Lawyers of Jalosjos declined to comment on the matter, saying it might be sub-judice because of a pending habeas corpus case in court.

But supporters of Jalosjos said documents presented earlier showed no proof of arrest.

“There was nothing there except the DOJ insists that he escaped, which is not even true because he left with documents to prove he is released and at the same time left Bilibid with the knowledge of the personnel,” a member of Jalosjos’ family, who declined to be named, said.

Officials of San Ramon Penal Colony also declined to comment on the issue, citing a gag order from Gonzalez.

But San Ramon insiders admitted they themselves were confused with the turn of events.

“We don’t really know what his status is because there was no commitment or transfer order except for a memorandum from the arresting police forces that they turn over Jalosjos,” the source said.