PNP suspends arrest of freed convicts

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday announced the suspension of arrest of prematurely released heinous crime convicts under the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) of the Revised Penal Code.

Despite the suspension order from the Justice department, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Guillermo Eleazar said they are still monitoring the location of some freed convicts.

“Tracker teams are being pulled out but we continue monitoring the whereabouts of 170 convicts, the ones released first,” said Eleazar.

As of midnight Friday, the police have arrested four inmates in Makati, Muntinlupa and Manila.

The 15-day ultimatum of President Duterte expired Thursday.

The PNP earlier reported that over 1,700, or two-thirds of some 2,000 prisoners, met the President’s 19 September deadline and have surrendered to the authorities.

GCTA came under public scrutiny after convicted rapist-killer Antonio Sanchez was almost released because of his supposed good behavior.