DOJ on freed convicts: Gov’t can go to court or proceed with warrantless arrests

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said government has “two avenues” in dealing with the heinous crimes convicts who were given 15 days to surrender by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The first option was to go to court or proceed with warrantless arrests after the lapse of 15-day period given  for them to surrender. The second option if for the conduct of warrantless arrests.

“Pwedeng we may have to go to court or pag na-declare na sila na fugitive, that’s evasion of sentence already. If they are declared fugitive after the 15-day period, that’s evading sentence and that’s a crime so warrantless [arrest],” Guevarra told reporters Thursday.

Guevarra urged the released convicts to surrender within the 15-day grace period given by the President.

“Identified naman kung sino yung narelease na convicted of heinous crimes. Alam nila yung crime nila, alam nila na napalabas sila. If they don’t, they will be considered fugitives and that’s evading sentence, that is a continuing offense until you turn yourself in,” he added.

Guevarra said they will wait for the 15-day grace period given by the President to lapse before taking any action.   /muf

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