RAPE-MURDER convict and former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez has been transferred from the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC) last Friday night due to worsening health condition.
Based on the update on Sanchez issued by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) through it s official Facebook account, Sanchez was brought to JRMMC for referral to “nephrologist sputum exam.”
It added that his transfer was made through coordination done by One Hospital Command Center of the Department of Health (DOH).
“Patient is presently confined at the said hospital and NBP medical staff is in constant monitoring of his status,” BuCor said.
It disclosed that Sanchez is suffering from multiple electrolyte imbalance, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage V and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Sanchez is now being guarded at the hospital by four BuCor personnel.
BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said Sanchez was brought to the JRMMC after doctors deliberated anew on his condition.
“Their decision was correct because it was confirmed that he has TB and multiple electrolyte imbalance and he has a CKD in stage V,” Chaclag said.
Last week, Sanchez was rushed to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa after experiencing shortness of breath.
He also underwent swab test because as he was experiencing flu-like symptoms aside from diarrhea, which are symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
However, Sanchez was brought back to the NBP since the hospital has no more space for probable COVID 19 patient
Days after, Sanchez requested to be transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from the NBP for further medical test after he experienced shortness of breath.
Sanchez was meted with seven terms of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) for the brutal rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her boyfriend Allan Gomez in 1993, both then students of the University of the Philippines.
Sanchez was put on a spotlight after news about his impending release came out owing to the implementation of the Expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law.
This drew public outrage that led to the revision of the implementing rules and regulations for the expanded GCTA.
The controversy also led to the President sacking of then BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon for the premature release of heinous crime convicts from the NBP due to erroneous application of the expanded GCTA.
He also ordered the almost 2,000 heinous crime convicts who were prematurely released to surrender for a review of their records.