Former Parañaque policeman Gerardo Biong and his wife Jocelyn hold a tearful reunion after his release from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on November 30, 2010. (Photo by KJ ROSALES)

MANILA, Philippines — The former Parañaque policeman convicted for tampering with the evidence in the infamous 1991 Vizconde murders was released from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Tuesday.

Gerardo Biong, 60, was freed by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) after being in prison for 15 years, 12 of which he served at the NBP.

BuCor Director Ernesto Diokno handed Biong his release papers at around noon.

Biong was welcomed by his wifeJocelyn, who had been waiting for her husband’s release since last week, when the Department of Justice (DoJ) announced that it would free the former policeman.

Wearing white pants and longsleeve shirt and carrying a Bible, Biong said he was happy that he was finally released.

“Masaya dahil ipinagkaloob ito sa akin ng ating pinakamamahal na Panginoon (I’m very happy because this was given to me by our dearest God),” Biong said.

On January 6, 2000, Biong was sentenced by then Judge Amelita Tolentino of Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial to 12 years in prison for burning bed sheets and other evidence in the Vizconde crime scene.

Judge Tolentino also sentenced to life imprisonment Hubert Webb, Peter Estrada, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II, and Miguel Rodriguez for the murders of Estrellita, Carmela, and Anna Marie Jennifer.

Joey Filart and Artemio “Dong” Ventura were not sentenced because they were at large at the time of the trial.

Asked what he will do after his release, Biong said he will “spread the gospel of our dearest Jesus.”

Release defended
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, meanwhile, defended her decision to approve the recommendation of the BuCor to release Biong from jail on basis of served sentence.

The former chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said her job as DoJ was only ministerial when BuCor submits to her a list of prisoners for release after serving their respective prison terms.

She said it is not only Biong who was recommended to be released for serving their respective sentence.

Along with Biong, De Lima bared the BuCor recommended the release of total of 124 prisoners after they completed their sentences.