108 Mandaue inmates released early for good behavior

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 108 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released from the Mandaue City Jail-Male Dormitory last Monday, December 22, just three days before Christmas, after qualifying for the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

Jail Superintendent Jessie James Gingoyon said the three-digit number of releases is a historic milestone for the Mandaue City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), noting that it is the highest number of GCTA releases recorded, as confirmed by the BJMP National Headquarters.

“This is historic. After verifying with the BJMP National Headquarters, this is the highest number of releases we have had, reaching a three-digit figure with 108 PDLs,” Gingoyon said.

The previous GCTA release was last October 31, when 89 PDLs were freed.

The GCTA, provided under Republic Act 10592, allows PDLs a reduction in their prison sentences through good behavior, participation in rehabilitation programs, and engagement in productive activities.

The program also helps decongest jails.

Gingoyon said the Mandaue City Jail currently houses 1,659 male PDLs, far exceeding its ideal capacity of 400, translating to more than 300% congestion.

Following their release, the Mandaue City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Services Office, provided the former PDLs with rice and Christmas gift bundles to assist them as they reintegrate into their communities.

Gingoyon described the release as timely, calling it a “Christmas release”, although preparations had already been made prior to the holiday season.

He explained that PDLs may qualify for early release under the GCTA if they comply with jail rules and actively participate in programs such as rehabilitation, interfaith activities, alternative learning, and livelihood training.

Under the system, a PDL with a one-year sentence who avails of plea bargaining and passes screening by the BJMP Management Screening and Evaluation Committee may have their sentence reduced by about 20% to 30%, allowing them to serve only around eight months.

Gingoyon said about 80% of the jail population is facing drug-related cases, which is why drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are heavily emphasized.

Participation in religious services, welfare and development activities, and livelihood programs also earns points.

PDLs are also taught skills such as crafting PVC lamps, wood carving, creating art products, and baking bread and pastries.

Points earned are converted into days deducted from their sentences.

Performance is evaluated by the Management Screening and Evaluation Committee, chaired by the deputy warden and composed of representatives from the paralegal unit, health unit, records office, and welfare and development unit.

Yesterday, upon their release, the former PDLs wore white shirts, symbolizing renewal and transformation, replacing their yellow inmate uniforms.

“We hope and pray that they carry with them the lessons they learned during their incarceration,” Gingoyon said.

He added that jail facilities have evolved from being purely punitive to adopting a rehabilitative approach aligned with United Nations standards, which Mandaue City Jail now implements.

However, Gingoyon emphasized that PDLs who are released under the GCTA and later return to jail due to new offenses will no longer be eligible for the same privilege. — BRP (CEBU NEWS)