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Convicted ex-mayor Sanchez found dead in his cell at NBP

Philippines | National

Convicted ex-mayor Sanchez found dead in his cell at NBP

By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki

Former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez who has been serving jail terms for rape, homicide, and murder has died in his cell at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez. (Screengrab from PTV)

Spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in a statement issued on Saturday, March 27, said:

"Today at about 7 a.m., PDL (person deprived of liberty) Antonio Sanchez was found unresponsive at his cell. He was brought to the NBP Hospital by his cellmates and was attended to by medical staff. He was declared DOA (dead on arrival) and subject for autopsy as per procedure on sudden deaths."

Chaclag said that Sanchez’s next of kin – his wife and three children – have been informed.

He said that Sanchez, 72 years old, was last seen alive around 10 p.m. Friday, March 26, as he was preparing to sleep. When his cellmates tried waking him up on Saturday morning, March 27, he was already unresponsive.

"There is no sign of foul play," said Chaclag.

In September 2020, Sanchez was admitted at the NBP Hospital after exhibiting flu-like symptoms. He requested to be transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), but the request was denied as he got better and tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In 1995, Sanchez was sentenced to life in prison for rape with homicide of Aileen Sarmenta and for the death of her boyfriend Allan Gomez in 1993. The trial court’s decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 1999.

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