Paco Larrañaga thanks supporters, maintains innocence in Chiong rape-slay

MANILA - Detained Spanish-Filipino Francisco Juan “Paco” Larrañaga on Wednesday expressed gratitude over the recent outpouring of support from netizens.

Larrañaga was among seven men imprisoned for the alleged rape-slay of sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong in Cebu City in 1997.

The Chiong rape-slay case recently made headlines anew after the film “Jacqueline Comes Home” hit theaters this month.

In a Facebook post on the page of the documentary "Give Up Tomorrow" which pleads Larrañaga's case, the Spanish-Filipino thanked his supporters.

"I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have sent me messages of support, encouragement and prayers. Thank you for taking the time to learn about the human rights abuses and the facts of our case," he said.

"This is very important to me because maybe by knowing what happened to us, it will prevent more innocent people from falling through the cracks of the justice system. Thank you for being my voice when I cannot speak out in our fight for justice. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. Reading your messages puts a smile in my heart."

Larrañaga also reiterated his and his co-accused's innocence.

The six other accused are Jozman Aznar, Rowen Adlawan, Alberto Cano, Ariel Balansag, James Andrew Uy and James Anthony Uy—all members of prominent Cebuano families. Larrañaga is a great-grandson of Sergio Osmeña Sr.

Larrañaga is serving time in Spain, while his co-accused are detained in the New Bilibid Prison.

"I also wanted to tell you that I am not the only one who is innocent. My 6 co-accused are just as innocent as I am," he said.

"They are victims of injustice just like me. If you can, please hear their stories too. I don’t have the words to properly describe this feeling of gratitude and friendship that I feel towards all of you who have reached out to me but please know that you have made this burden lighter to bear with your kindness and that I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers."

Larrañaga and his co-accused were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1999 for kidnapping and illegal detention, a conviction the Supreme Court later modified with additional murder and rape charges.

In 2009, he was moved to a Spanish prison because of his dual citizenship.