40 Sablayan inmates seek parole, executive clemency

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 40 inmates of the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro have applied for parole and executive clemency, according to the Bureau of Corrections.

The BuCor said representatives of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) have interviewed the inmates.

“The interviews focused on evaluating the inmates’ eligibility for parole and executive clemency,” the BuCor said.

Executive clemency is the reprieve, absolute pardon, conditional pardon with or without parole conditions, and commutation of sentence granted by the president.

According to BuCor, the SPPF is committed to “fostering a second chance for inmates, offering them the opportunity to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities.”

Inmates of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa participated in an agricultural undertaking to augment the manpower requirements of the penal institution’s agricultural expansion.

The BuCor said the initiative involved nearly 19 hectares of farmland aimed to accelerate the progress of livelihood projects, including rice transplanting and land-clearing for high-value crops.

“Beyond bolstering agricultural production, the project focused on enhancing the agricultural skills of the inmates, providing them with valuable training and experience,” the bureau said.

The BuCor said participation in this effort earned inmates additional Good Conduct and Time Allowance, potentially facilitating their early release.