457 GCTA-freed convicts surrender to PNP 2 days before deadline

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly 500 convicts believed to have been erroneously released based on the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law have surrendered to different police stations nationwide two days before the deadline set by President Rodrigo Duterte, data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, a total of 457 convicts have surrendered after Duterte, on September 14 ordered all heinous crime convicts released based on the GCTA law, which shortened their prison sentence based on good conduct while in jail, to surrender.

Among those who surrendered were 141 murder convicts, 136 rape convicts, 47  robbery with homicide convicts and 29 homicide convicts.

17 inmates convicted of murder and frustrated murder likewise surrendered, along with 17 convicted of drug-related cases, 15 for rape with homicide, 10 for robbery with rape, nine for parricide, and eight for frustrated homicide.

Other inmates who likewise surrendered were involved in  robbery, murder and robbery, attempted rape with homicide, abduction with rape, attempted rape, kidnapping, acts of lasciviousness, illegal gambling, carnapping, carnapping with homicide, rape with murder, rape and arson, kidnapping with murder, violation of election gun ban, illegal possession of firearms, theft,  violence against women and children, and serious physical injury.

Data from the PNP, however differs from that of the Bureau of Corrections, since some released convicts surrendered to BuCor directly.

BuCor and the Department of Justice on Monday said that 612released inmates have surrendered as of Monday.

The PNP said it processed convicts of non-heinous crimes who have surrendered to police stations but it is up to the BuCor to determine their fate.

The deadline set by the President ends on September 19.

Those who will fail to surrender before the deadline may face warrantless arrest. /gsg

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