TWO more convicts in the 1997 rape-slay of sisters Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong that were released through the controversial good conduct and time allowance (GCTA) policy have surrendered to authorities Wednesday evening, September 18, 2019.
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete confirmed in multiple news reports that Josman Aznar and James Anthony Uy surrendered to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials around 6:30 p.m.
Aznar and Uy, along with fellow Chiong 7 convicts Ariel Balansag and Alberto Caño, were released a month ago under the GCTA law.
The two came forward just before the 15-day ultimatum issued by President Rodrigo Duterte for at least 2,000 heinous crimes convicts released through the GCTA expires Thursday, September 19.
President Duterte has threatened to order the arrest of those freed through GCTA if they failed to surrendered within the 15-day ultimatum he set last September 4.
Prior to Aznar and Uy's surrender, Balansag and Caño have surrendered to authorities.
The release of four of the Chiong 7 convicts became controversial after some of them availed of the GCTA law despite being convicted of heinous crimes, which automatically waives their chances of securing a parole.
Their release was eventually uncovered after former BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon admitted during a Senate hearing in September 2 that he signed their release orders. (SunStar Cebu)