MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano has freed at least eight inmates from the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) through the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) program on Monday, December 18.
Discharged were Jose Sacote, Lyndon Looc, Richard Baradillo, John Jerry Tacasan, Buenaventura Raterta, Ramil Nabaluna, Jess Hallasgo and Mario Oben.
They were released during the "Pasko sa Binilanggo," a whole day Christmas celebration inside the jail facility.
The eight were convicted for robbery, carnapping, illegal possession of firearms and rape and have been sentenced for six years and below.
Emano said the GCTA is an authority given to him to discharge detainees with good records and conduct while serving their sentence based also on the recommendation of the jail warden.
The capitol's top official said the eight have religiously followed the rules and regulations inside the MOPJ and passed the qualifications to avail the GCTA.
"Ang uban ani nila naa pa untay usa ka tuig ayha makagawas pero kay nagmatarong man ug wala nagpabadlong maong nag-qualify sila," Emano said.
"Walay legal impediment sa pag-release sa ila kay gitugotan man kita sa balaod," Emano added.
Emano also said he would shoulder the freed detainees' fare, food, and allowance as they return to their respective families.
The governor has inspired the newly released inmates to start living a new life.
"Ako nay mosagot sa ilang pamilite, pagkaon ug gamayng allowance para naa silay pamasko sa ilang pagpauli sa ilang pamilya," Emano said.
"Ako nanghinaot nga dili na tamo makita dinhi sa provincial jail ug tinud-anay na inyong pagbag-o because I am willing to give you the second chance in life," Emano added.
Jail warden Dominador Tagarda said inmates are being monitored every day and there have been initiatives and efforts for the inmates' holistic transformation in coordination with partner religious and other civic groups.
Tagarda has dared all detainees to behave well and show good manners and right conduct.