Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang disclosed over the weekend that they are continuing to process the papers of persons deprived of liberty so they will be released soon.

The processing of the PDLs was in line with the marching order of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to decongest jail facilities under the suoervision of BuCor.

At present, there are 909 PDLs undergoing screening and interviews by prison authorities to assess their eligibility for potential pardons and parole.

The issue of overcrowding within correctional facilities managed by the BuCor was the primordial consideration and also part of the massive reform being undertaken.

The PDLs who  are undergoing interview originate from two institutions: The Davao Prison and Penal Farm and the Correctional Institution for Women-Mindanao.

BuCor emphasized the DoJ's commitment to addressing the critical problem of overcrowding in BuCor-managed penitentiaries.

To expedite application processing, the Board of Pardons and Parole has doubled the caseloads under review during its meetings, in accordance with DoJ policy.

Parole entails the temporary and conditional release of an offender from a correctional facility after serving the minimum court-imposed penalty.

In addition to parole, there exist other forms of release, such as executive clemency, including pardon, conditional pardon and absolute pardon, which do not incorporate parole conditions.

During interview the physical, mental, and moral backgrounds and records of PDLs are being assessed to identify those eligible for parole or executive clemency.

Special consideration is given to elderly PDLs during the parole or executive clemency review process and those suffering from illnesses, terminal conditions, serious disabilities, as outlined in BPP Resolution OT-04-15-2020.

With the resolution it streamlines the requirements and procedures for parole and executive clemency applications by eliminating most documentary requirements, except for Court Certifications of No Pending Case and No Pending Appeal, along with a check of the PDL's records with the National Bureau of Investigation.