Close to 50 convicted prisoners from the Iloilo Provincial Integrated Jail (IPIJ) in Brgy. Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo will soon be transferred to the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City, Manila to serve their life sentence and other penalties.

IPIJ Warden Dennis Superficial said most of them were convicted for murder, rape, physical injuries and acts of lasciviousness, among other cases.

Superficial also said detainees are referred to Manila once they get a sentence of more than three years. Those below three years will serve in the local jail.

Superficial said they are still waiting for the budget from the Iloilo Provincial Government for the inmates' transfer.

When shipped, the warden said these prisoners will be placed inside a closed van. They will be fully-guarded by jail officers from Iloilo City up to Manila via Ro-Ro to ensure their safety.

The said inmates comprise the 652 prisoners currently detained at the IPIJ which is now under the control of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 6 (BJMP-6).

Last year, the BJMP-6 also sent 50 inmates to Manila.

Of the number, 19 inmates came from Negros Occidental, 18 from BJMP in Ungka, Jaro district in this city, eight in Aklan, and five in Mambusao, Capiz.

Majority of the prisoners were convicted for murder and theft. Some face a life sentence while others face 20 to 40 years imprisonment.*