MANILA, Philippines - At least 200 convicted prisoners detained in Muntinlupa arrived Saturday afternoon in Zamboanga City on board a commercial ferry from Manila.

Bureau of Corrections Superintendent Antonio Cruz said the transfer is part of their routinary decongestion program.

Rape and robbery were among the crimes committed by the convicts in Manila, Cruz said.
 
The inmates were brought to San Ramon Penal Colony to serve their remaining sentence.

Cruz said the inmates were mostly natives of Mindanao. Some even were born in Zamboanga City.

Cruz added the public in Zamboanga City need not worry over the presence of additional convicts since security in the local jail is efficient and enough to keep the inmates from escaping.