100-year-old Correctional inmate longing for release, family

A 100-year-old inmate at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City is considered the country's oldest person deprived of liberty.

According to Saleema Refran's exclusive report on " 24 Oras," Mamang (not her real name) is among the over 300 senior citizens among the 3,286 inmates at the CIW.

She was imprisoned at the maximum security compound for selling illegal drugs in 2012.

"Gustong-gusto ko na makalaya para makita ko na, makapiling ko na ang mga mahal ko sa buhay na matagal ko na silang hindi nakita,” Mamang  said.

The Board of Pardons and Parole is now processing the documents of elderly PDLs for their release.

“Marami kasi diyan pumapasok sa CIW o Bureau of Corrections na matanda na. Matanda na tapos yung penalty ay life, reclusion tapos mayroon tayong Heinous Crime Law," CIW acting superintendent Daisy Castillote said.

"Hindi po talaga ganoon kadali mag-process ng documents,” she added.

Due to the limited space, some sleep on the floor or stairs, while others share a bed.

This is also the same case in the New Bilibid Prison.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he was in favor of releasing the elderly among the  PDLs. Still, there must be limitations, especially for sexually oriented crime offenders.

“’Wag lang siya sexually oriented crime, ‘yun po ang hindi natin pwedeng pakawalan kasi salot talaga at hindi pwede pauwiin sa bahay kung saan sila nagkasala,” Remulla said. —NB, GMA Integrated News