MANILA, Philippines — At least four convicted Chinese drug lords were released by the Bureau of Corrections as early as June this year, Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed Thursday.

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The four Chinese individuals, all convicted for violating the country’s illegal drugs laws, were released from Building 14, Maximum Security Compound in June, based on the information Lacson obtained on August 16.

They were transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for possible deportation, he initially said.

But Lacson later clarified that the four Chinese were freed, not transferred to the BI.

“Right now, I have a copy of some releases… At least four of those released already, as of August 16, are Chinese drug lords,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.

“Recently released, maximum security compound, June 2019. Not just August,” he added.

He identified the four Chinese drug lords as: Chan Chit Yue, Kin San Ho, Ching Che, Wu Hing Sum.

Another Chinese drug lord, identified as Ho Wai Pang, was turned over to the BI for deportation.

Lacson said he is currently verifying if the five Chinese individuals were released due to the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law or Republic Act No. 10952.

Lacson also said he asked for a list of those released on August 20, which supposedly includes convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez, former mayor of Calauan, Laguna, however such list was allegedly missing.

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“We’re trying to look for the copy of the August 20 release order in favor of Mayor Sanchez. But apparently nawawala ang kopya,” the senator said.

Sanchez’s family claimed that a release order dated Aug. 20 had been issued for the former mayor.

READ: Release order for Antonio Sanchez dated Aug. 20 – children

The Senate is set to conduct an investigation into the GCTA program of inmates following the reported eligibility of Sanchez.

READ: ‘Twist of fate:’ Senate probe into GCTA a reunion for Gordon, Faeldon

Lacson said one of the objectives of the inquiry is to review the definition of the GCTA and review the provisions of the Revised Penal Code, as well as to determine if officials of the New Bilibid Prison is accountable for abuse of discretion. /jpv

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