The Department of Justice (DoJ) convened stakeholders Wednesday to develop more compassionate and humane justice for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), furthering Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s mission.

This comes as the DoJ hosted a high-level conference themed “Beyond Bars: Healing Lives Through Compassionate Release and Medical Parole” at the Admiral Hotel in Malate, Manila.

In collaboration with the Medical Action Group, the DoJ aims to use a government-wide approach to address pressing issues affecting the country’s inmates, particularly the elderly, sickly and severely disabled, in relation to jail congestion and serious medical conditions.

Specifically, the goals of the initiative include formulating policy recommendations, crafting technical guidelines, and establishing a post-release framework for the rehabilitation and reformation of PDLs.

'To achieve true and lasting change, we need your help, our international and civil society organizations. Your expertise, insights, and continuous dedication to our shared causes will aid the crafting of meaningful policies that will pave the way for new avenues that will give second chances to our PDLs.'

A key part of the event was the signing of a Statement of Solidarity on a ceremonial tarpaulin by participants, demonstrating multi-sectoral commitment to support and implement compassionate release mechanisms and medical parole reforms.

“The work we do here today will not only benefit those incarcerated but will also create a ripple effect throughout our society — one that reaffirms our commitment to justice, human dignity, and rehabilitation,” said Remulla in his keynote message, which was delivered by Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez.

“To achieve true and lasting change, we need your help, our international and civil society organizations. Your expertise, insights, and continuous dedication to our shared causes will aid the crafting of meaningful policies that will pave the way for new avenues that will give second chances to our PDLs,” added Undersecretary-in-Charge for the DoJ Corrections Cluster Deo L. Marco.

Key participants in the event included experts and representatives from the Board of Pardons and Parole, Parole and Probation Administration, Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, International Committee of the Red Cross, World Health Organization and other organizations.