FIVE convicts in Western Visayas who were released from prison as beneficiaries of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) have surrendered to authorities.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayas spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong confirmed that the first convict who surrendered to police is a 57-year-old man only identified by his alias as "Dale."

Dale was reported to have surrendered to the Culasi Police Station in Antique last Friday, September 6.

This was then followed by another convict, alias "Paolo," who surrendered to the Tangalan Police Station in Aklan, and another one, alias "Kent," who gave himself up to members of Dingle police.

All three convicts are facing murder charges and were also booked by local police.

Aside from the three, two other convicts identified as alias "Ben" and "Buloy" also yielded to Pavia and Leganes police, respectively.

Malong said the surrenderers were later allowed to return home temporarily, with the promise that they will cooperate with police.

The GCTA has been the subject of controversy after it was found out that former Calauan mayor Antonio Sanchez was supposed to be one of the beneficiaries of the law. His release, however, was prevented after several critics came out and opposed his release.

The controversy has also resulted in the resignation of Bureau of Corrections Chief Nicanor Faeldon.