President Duterte has offered a R1 million bounty for the capture of every convict freed due to the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law if they still refuse to surrender to authorities.
The President admitted that he prefers the wanted inmates would be presented dead, adding he would gladly pay the huge reward.
“I will just set the timeline and then R1 million prize is available to those who can capture them dead or alive but maybe dead will be a better option,” he said during a press conference at the Palace.
“I will pay you smiling. Ibalik ko ‘yan sa preso, makikain pa yan,” he said.
Last September 4, the President asked more than 1,700 heinous crime convicts freed early for good behavior to surrender in 15 days. He said they would face an investigation into their alleged irregular release from jail amid allegations of corruption
If they refuse to surrender, Duterte warned that inmates will be considered fugitives and will be rearrested by authorities.
Of the 1,914 convicts released since the GCTA implementation in 2013, the Department of Justice said 692 have surrendered and are now in the custody of the Bureau of Corrections.
Earlier, the Palace claimed that the heinous crime convicts should have not been set free since they, along with recidivists, habitual delinquents, and escapees are excluded from the coverage of the GCTA law. The law, signed in 2013, allows shorter prison term for inmates with good conduct.
The controversial release of the inmates has resulted in the dismissal of BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon and suspension of other concerned officials. (Genalyn Kabiling)