ShareThisMUNTINLUPA CITY — A former Paranaque police officer who was convicted as an accessory and sentenced to 12 years in prison for allegedly tampering with evidence in the 1991 Vizconde massacre case walked free on Tuesday after serving his sentence at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Biong
Former Police Officer 1 Gerardo Biong still claimed that he was innocent. “Wala akong kasalanan. Pero iyan siguro ang kagustuhan ng Panginoon para ako mahubog. (I have no fault. But maybe that’s the Lord’s plan; He wants me to reform.),” he told reporters who covered his release.
Biong was met by his wife, Jocelyn, who kept vigil at the NBP gates early morning Tuesday after Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima endorsed the release of Biong and 124 other inmates who have completed their sentences.
“Isa po ako sa mga maraming nahatulan na walang kasalanan (I was the one of the many innocent who were convicted),” he added.
Asked how he feels after staying at the NBP for the past 15 years, the 60-year old Biong said “Masaya siyempre at natapos na ang aking paghihintay sa bilangguan. Ngayon nahaharap na naman tayo sa panibagong pagsubok (I’m happy my waiting in jail is over. Now I have to face another test),” he said.
Despite his long incarceration, he said he did not lose hope that one day he will be able to win his freedom and be with his family. His belief in God made him strong despite the difficulties, he added.
“Marami akong bagay na natutunan sa loob at naging malapit ako sa Panginoon (I have learned many things inside the jail and became close to the Lord).”
He said joined the Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry led by evangelist Wilde Almeda after he was jailed.
Paranaque RTC Judge Amelia Tolentino convicted him as an accessory to the brutal killing of Estrelita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde inside their house in BF Homes Parañaque in June 1991.
Principal accused in the crime were Hubert Webb, son of former basketball player and former Senator Freddie Webb, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II and Miguel Rodriguez.
Two other accused, Dong Ventura and Joey Filart, remain at large.
Biong was implicated after he burned what the court claimed as pieces of evidence like bedsheets, carpets and clothing in the crime scene.
He was detained in 1995 and was sentenced on Jan. 6, 2000 for 12 years imprisonment. Thus, his wife said “he’s been behind bars for the past 15 years.”
Biong’s release, originally set last Friday, was delayed due to late transmission of documents, including the release order by the Justice Secretary.