A total of 108 persons deprived of liberty were released from the Mandaue City Jail–Male Dormitory three days before Christmas after qualifying for early release under the Good Conduct Time Allowance program.
Jail Superintendent Jessie James Gingoyon said the mass release was the largest in the facility’s history, surpassing the previous record of 89 GCTA releases.
The GCTA program allows qualified detainees to reduce their sentences through good behavior and active participation in rehabilitation, education, and livelihood activities, while excluding recidivists and those charged with heinous crimes.
As part of a reintegration ceremony, the freed PDLs donned white shirts symbolizing renewal and received food packs and assistance from the city government.
Despite the release, the jail remains severely overcrowded, housing more than 1,600 inmates in a facility built for only 400.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 24, 2025
