BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Hundreds of inmates inside the Bataan District Jail (BDJ) on Wednesday received their early Christmas gifts from Bataan Regional Trial Court (RTC) officials and staff of Branches 4 and 94.
Judge Emmanuel Silva of the RTC Br.4 and Judge Jose Marie Quimboy of RTC Br. 94, along with officials from the Public Attorney’s Office, Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Bataan Chapter and officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) headed by BDJ jail warden, J/Supt. Clarence Mayangao led the distribution of gifts to inmates who are residents of Limay and Mariveles areas. The inmates received bags and other goodies from the court officials then later treated with a lunch in a boodle fight style.
During the said activity, Judge Silva announced the release of two detainees, one male and one female, who were reportedly involved in illegal drugs cases which were later dismissed due to technicalities and lack of evidence. “Napakagandang regalo po nito sa akin ngayong Pasko,” says Estella Boking, a female inmate incarcerated for 13 years at the BDJ. She is about to be released within the week following the formal announcement of Judge Silva.
“Ayoko na pong bumalik dito pero marami po akong natutunan dito. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Judge Silva at sa lahat po ng tumulong sa akin para makalaya na po ako,” Allan Viray, an inmate from Mariveles who was arrested 11 years ago for drug possession and was later scheduled for release during the gift giving. activity.
Judge Silva said the activity is his office’s way of giving happiness and hope for the prisoners of the BDJ. “Gusto naming ipadama sa ating mga inmates na ang hukuman ay tao. Ang hukuman ay tao na marunong pong magmahal. Hindi lang kami humuhusga kundi ipinapakita namin ang malasakit ng hukuman at kalinga sa mga detinido,” Judge Silva told local newsmen.
On the other hand, BDJ Warden Mayangao thanked the court officials and the media for their continuous support to their activities and projects for the inmates. At present there are 1,788 male inmates and 181 female detainees inside the Bataan District Jail.
