The Bureau of Corrections, in observance of All Souls’ Day, held simultaneous mass offerings yesterday in various operating prisons and prison farms for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who died during their incarceration.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. instructed superintendents to place a large wreath for the departed PDLs in their respective areas of jurisdiction, symbolizing unity and solidarity in remembering those who passed away while in detention.

“This reflects a sense of empathy and respect for the departed individuals under BuCor's care,” Catapang added.

Catapang's directive also included the lighting of candles during the mass celebrations, emphasizing the 20 PDLs whose bodies were not claimed by relatives and were recently buried by BuCor at the NBP Cemetery.

A total of 384 unclaimed PDL cadavers have been buried at the NBP Cemetery, including the 20 buried on 24 October.

“Nakakaawa naman dahil may 20 PDLs na pinalibing natin kamakailan sa NBP Cemetery ang hindi na madadalaw ng kanilang pamilya. Kaya inatasan natin si NBP Superintendent, Chief Inspector Roger Boncales na magtirik ng kandila sa puntod ng bawat isa sa kanila,” Catapang said.

Earlier, Catapang also instructed the facilitation of supervised video calls for PDLs at the NBP in Muntinlupa City from 1 to 2 November. This initiative allowed the PDLs to virtually connect with their families and pay tribute to their departed loved ones through electronic means during the observance of these important days.