64 NBP inmates get freedom on RP Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines – In time for the country’s 110th Independence Day celebration, the government on Thursday set free 64 prisoners from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Retired police general Oscar Calderon, Bureau of Corrections director, said they had really intended to break the news to the aged inmates at a time when Filipinos celebrate the country’s freedom from Spanish colonial rule. "Tugmang-tugma naman na may ibang kalayaan kaming minimithi para sa mga preso ko, inmates ko. Ang pangalawang kalayaan nila sa sarili nila (It was appropriate that during the celebration of the country’s freedom, we are also aiming for the freedom of the prisoners themselves)," he said. QTV’s noontime news program Balitanghali said that 16 of the 64 freed prisoners were aged 70 or above, and had each been granted conditional pardon by President Macapagal Arroyo. The remaining detainees, meanwhile, were all awarded a parole, the television report said. Among the happiest of the 16 elderly was Jun Rosales, a 71-year-old Camarines Sur native who had been in prison for 13 years after being convicted of three counts of rape. "Pinapanalangin ko na makalabas ako dito dahil gusto ko nang makita ang pamilya ko (I have been praying for my release because I wanted to see my family)," a teary-eyed Rosales shared. "Susulatan ko (ang pamilya ko) para malaman kung tatanggapin nila ako bilang magulang at ama (I will write to my family so that I will know if they can still accept me as their father)," he added. But for Felipe Siao, being granted a conditional pardon was two times sweeter. The 72-year-old Cebu native, who was jailed for attempted rape, will not only walk again a free man but also celebrate his upcoming birthday. "Suwerte ko. Malapit na birthday ko. Magsisindi ako ng kandila para sa Panginoon at magpapasalamat (I'm lucky because my birthday is around the corner. I will light a candle for God and thank Him)," said Siao, who turns 73 on June 25. However, the only problem of Siao is who to celebrate his birthday with since he had been departed from his family for five years and has since had no communication with them. "Pupunta muna ako sa simbahan. Doon muna ako maghihintay. Magda-dial ako (ng telepono) at sasabihin ko, ‘Nasaan ang pamilya ko (I will rush to a church and stay there. I will also call my relatives on the phone and say, ‘Where is my family’),’" he exclaimed in detailing his game plan. When asked if he knew the telephone number to call, Felipe broke into laughter and said, "Ah iyon, nakalimutan ko na (Oh I’ve already forgotten the number)." Calderon said that they were not only setting the men free but also assisting them to safely reunite with their families in the provinces. "Bibigyan namin sila ng pamasahe. Ihahatid naming sila mula dito papunta sa piyer. Bibigyan pa naming sila ng allowance (We will provide their travel expense. We will also send them off to the port and give them allowance)," Calderon assured. - GMANews.TV