Seven inmates who had been acquitted of their charges or had qualified for good conduct had been released from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
In a statement issued last Aug. 13, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said the immediate release of qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) “is being implemented to decongest various prison facilities.”
Those released “received their Certificates of Discharge signed by CTSSupt. Virginia S. Mangawit upon the approval of BuCor Director General Gerald Q. Bantag,” BuCor said.
“Gratuities were provided for use as transportation expenses back to their homes and they underwent rapid swab tests to ensure their safe return to their families, as well as letters of recommendation for future employment prospects,” it added.
Last Aug. 9, BuCor said a PDL was released from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The released inmate was acquitted of violation of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“The subject had filed an appeal before the Court of Appeals and the appeal was granted last May 2021,” it said.