40 convicts sent to Muntinlupa

AT LEAST 40 convicted prisoners from the male dormitory of the Cebu City Jail were transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City yesterday to serve their sentences.

At 6 a.m., a Kaohsiung bus loaded with prisoners, guarded by more than 15 jail officers from Cebu City, up to the port of Cebu where the prisoners boarded a commercial boat to ensure their safety.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP 7) used shackles on each prisoner’s ankles to make sure no one can escape.

Hard core

Jail Warden Supt. Johnson Calub said majority of these inmates were convicted of heinous crimes, such as murder, robbery, drug peddling and rape. Some were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, 20-40 years.

Calub said that despite the lack of BJMP personnel, jail security and routine activities are still in place.

He said, “I made sure those who escorted the inmates are all off-duty so we still have personnel to look after those inmates left behind.”

Despite sending inmates to Muntinlupa, the jail is still congested.

Over 2,000 inmates are now at the Cebu City Jail, some awaiting trial.

Budget

Every year, Calub said they are sending inmates to Manila, depending on the budget approved by National Headquarters.

Franceska Custodio, whose son has been convicted for 30 years for murder could not help but cry as she watched her son waved her goodbye.

She said nothing is more painful than seeing her son suffer for a crime he did not commit.

The BJMP could not say when the next batch of prisoners will be sent to Muntinlupa.