The Bureau of Corrections yesterday released 985 persons deprived of liberty, or PDLs, during a culminating activity held at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, bringing to 11,000 the number of freed PDLs since Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assumed office.

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said those released from the various prison and penal farms included those who have been acquitted, served their maximum sentences, were granted probation, or were paroled.

Catapang said the bureau is working closely with the Board of Pardons and Parole to fast-track the release of PDLs who were paroled under the "Bilis Laya" program.  

"We invited chairman Sergio Rubico Calizo Jr. of the Board of Pardons and Parole to thresh out the problem so we can expedite the release of PDLs for them to be with their families," he said.

He also ordered the BuCor legal team to study possible legal remedies to hasten the release of PDLs who have served their minimum sentences.

"After the successful two-day decongestion summit aimed at addressing overcrowding in the penal system, this will be our contribution to help solve the problem of overpopulation in our prisons, aside from transferring PDLs from the congested NBP to other less congested facilities under our jurisdiction," Catapang said.

He added: "We will adhere to the strategy of addressing overpopulation in the penal system by reducing admissions, increasing releases, and expanding the jail facilities."

Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, who represented Remulla, commended Bucor personnel led by Catapang for "weathering the storm of 2023" and continuing to do their jobs despite the challenges.

Marco said the DoJ, together with the Bucor, BPP, and the Public Attorney's Office led by Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta has already submitted the documents for 1,500 PDLs recommended for clemency to the Office of the President.