In a move symbolizing new beginnings, 53 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the Talisay City Jail Male Dormitory walked free on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Their release, timed just before the New Year celebrations, allowed them to welcome 2026 with their families outside the correctional facility.
Earning Freedom Through Good Conduct
The inmates secured their liberty after fully serving their sentences, aided by credits earned under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law. This provision reduces the prison time of individuals convicted of minor offenses who demonstrate good behavior while incarcerated.
The release order specifically covered PDLs who had shown consistent good conduct, making them eligible for the GCTA benefit. The Talisay City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), led by JSupt. Josephus Jelianggao, orchestrated the release.
A Deliberate Timing for Hope and Renewal
Jail authorities intentionally scheduled the release for the day before New Year's Day. JSupt. Jelianggao explained that the timing was meant to align with the festive celebration and serve as a powerful symbol of a fresh start and a reformed life for the former detainees.
Outside the jail, emotional scenes unfolded as eager family members warmly embraced their loved ones, marking a poignant reunion and the first moments of a new chapter.
Call for Community Support and Reintegration
The BJMP Talisay City is now calling on the public to support the reintegration of these individuals. Officials encouraged the community to offer a second chance to the freed PDLs, emphasizing the importance of acceptance for successful rehabilitation.
Simultaneously, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its aftercare services. These programs are designed to provide continuous support, helping former inmates adjust properly, rebuild their lives, and become productive, law-abiding members of society once again.
