PNP awaits DOJ nod to go after those freed through GCTA but who have not surrendered

September 27, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Friday said they have not received the final instruction from the Department of Justice when they can start arresting those released through good conduct and time allowance (GCTA) but who have not surrendered.

"We are also monitoring," said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, in a text message to The Daily Manila Shimbun. 

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said manhunt operation against heinous crimes convict who did not surrender to authorities will resume on October 1.

Guevarra said he expects the Bureau of Correction to provide him the "clean list" on September 30.

While waiting for the final order, Banac said the tracker teams they prepared are set to conduct manhunt operations.

"The PNP tracker teams are all set to conduct manhunt of convicts upon go signal and provision of the clean list," he said.

The manhunt operation was supposed to be done the day after the 15-day period given by Duterte to heinous crimes convicts granted of GCTA to surrender but it was suspended as the number of surrenderees surpassed the expected 1,900.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said he was asked by Guevarra to suspend the operation as they are still waiting for the clean list from BuCor. Ella Dionisio/DMS