DOJ stops GCTA processing for foreign inmates

“If these Chinese drug convicts are still in the custody of the BI (Bureau of Immigration), we shall hold them till the IRR (implementing rules and regulations)/guidelines have been reviewed and the joint committee has determined the proper course of action with respect to those PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) convicted of heinous crimes who might have already been released,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters. (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Any release of a foreign ex-convict under the contentious Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law will be placed on hold for now while issues on the matter are being resolved, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.

“If these Chinese drug convicts are still in the custody of the BI (Bureau of Immigration), we shall hold them till the IRR (implementing rules and regulations)/guidelines have been reviewed and the joint committee has determined the proper course of action with respect to those PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) convicted of heinous crimes who might have already been released,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters.

On Thursday, the BI said the four Chinese drug convicts who were reportedly released by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) are now in their custody and facing deportation.

Melvin Mabulac, BI deputy spokesperson, said Chan Chit Yue, Kin San Ho, Ching Che, and Wu Hing Sum are currently being detained at the BI’s Warden Facility in Taguig City.

Their summary deportation order was signed and approved on August 23, as part of the BI’s ministerial function to deport foreigners who completed the service of sentence in Philippine prisons.

He said the deportation order will be implemented right after the needed documents – including the BI clearance, are complied with.

He said the foreigners will be expelled for being undesirable aliens.

Once deported, the Chinese nationals will be placed on the Immigration’s blacklist to prevent them from re-entering the Philippines.