63 PDLs released from Mandaue jail

CEBU, Philippines — In line with the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration, at least 63 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were granted freedom yesterday afternoon from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mandaue City Jail Male Dormitory.

The mass release served as a symbolic gesture of hope and second chances for PDLs in the city.

In an interview, Jail Warden Superintendent John Conrad Marcilino Basilio said that those released met the qualifications under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

The early release of 63 male PDLs was granted through the GCTA program, following their demonstrated good behavior and active cooperation with the BJMP-Mandaue City.

According to the jail official, the PDLs also worked together to help maintain peace, order, and security within the facility.

“Kaya sila nabigyan ng GCTA,” Basilio said.

The initiative, “Paglaya sa Araw ng Kalayaan,” was especially held to mark the national holiday.

“Mayroon tayong programa sa ating piitan, in line sa Araw ng Kalayaan, mayroon din tayong highlight kumbaga para sa Persons Deprived of Liberty,” said Basilio.

Basilio explained that the BJMP regularly implements releases through the GCTA, but the particular release was scheduled in June to coincide with the Independence Day celebration.

“Itinaon din natin ang programa para i-highlight natin ang paglaya ng mga PDLs,” said Basilio.

He said that the 63 PDLs were granted GCTA so they could be released earlier than their original sentence in prison and be reunited with their loved ones.

“Ito nakamit nila ang criteria upang sila ay mapalaya natin through GCTA,” said Basilio.

At the mass release yesterday, their family members came to escort them home.

According to Basilio, 95 percent of the 63 released individuals had been incarcerated for drug-related offenses.  Through their cooperation, they were granted a second chance to reintegrate into society and start anew.

According to Basilio, the BJMP Mandaue City Jail Male Dormitory currently has a prison population of 1,507.  —  CNU Intern Giane Kate Pilapil/JG (CEBU NEWS)