By: CHITO A. CHAVEZ
One of the 107 inmates set free by members of terrorist Maute group from two jail facilities in Marawi City surrendered yesterday to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Director Serafin Barretto.
Inmate Mohaderin Banding, who was charged with murder, is one of the 107 inmates freed during the attack by armed men on Marawi City Jail and Malabang District Jail.
“Banding who stayed in Novaliches, Quezon City for weeks is now in our custody. We are happy that he chose to surrender,’’ said Barretto.
“We are here to ensure his safety back into the fold of the law. We know that like him, there are other escapees who are still waiting for the right chance but I can assure them, they will be more safe with us”, he added.
BJMP spokesman Senior Inspector Xavier Solda said inmates who surrendered will not be given any punishment considering the circumstances surrounding their escape.
Instead, Solda said that the BJMP will recommend the granting of good conduct time allowance to them for electing to get back in the fold of the law.
He added that the inmates will now be detained in Iligan City Jail.
Barretto credited the effective implementation of inmate’s welfare and development in Marawi City Jail that encouraged the surrender.
“I understand that it will be a tough decision on their part to leave their family again but I assure them of a significant deduction on their possible sentence thru the immediate granting of Good Conduct Time Allowance or with other incentives provided by law” Barretto emphasized.
So far only seven of the 107 inmates have surrendered to the BJMP.
Meanwhile, all personnel in Marawi and Malabang jails were distributed to different assignments in Iligan and General Santos City to augment the personnel on duty while government forces are exerting efforts to restore the peace and order situation in the city.
Barretto called on the families of the other inmates who were freed by the terrorist group to coordinate with the BJMP to facilitate their surrender.
He also directed all Regional Directors in Mindanao area to remain vigilant and to ensure the safety of all inmates and personnel under their care.
On May 23, the Maute terrorist group led by brothers Omar and Abdullah with Abu Sayaff group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon led the attack in Marawi City.
The situation prompted President Duterte to enforce Martial Law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the area.
