(Eagle News)–Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde on Thursday, Sept. 5, announced the deployment of tracker teams to locate the 1700 convicts who were released under the Good Conduct Time Allowance law.
Albayalde made the announcement following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for them to surrender in 15 days or be treated as fugitives.
“As fugitives from justice, these convicts can be subjected to warrantless arrest,” Albayalde said.
He also directed all police units nationwide to “receive and account” for the inmates.
The President gave the order following the release of convicts of heinous crimes, including three convicted in the rape-slay of the Chiong sisters, and the near-release of former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez under the law, which increases the GCTA given to inmates.
Senate President Tito Sotto has said he received “A-1” information “millions” of pesos were paid in the Bureau of Corrections for the release of select convicts under the law.
Duterte has fired BuCor director-general Nicanor Faeldon over the GCTA mess.