Catapang: BuCor shifts toward rehabilitation

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Wednesday announced the release of 2,923 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from 1 April to 11 June, with a ceremonial release held at the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa City.

This brings the total number of inmates released under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to 23,579.

Catapang expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for its ruling that all PDLs, including those convicted of heinous crimes, are entitled to the benefits of the Good Conduct Time Allowance. This, he said, made it possible for the early release of qualified inmates.

The BuCor chief said that the latest releases were carried out through various legal mechanisms. A total of 2,373 were released due to the expiration of their sentences, 228 were acquitted, 212 were granted parole, 76 were freed via habeas corpus, and 59 were released on probation. One inmate was turned over to jail due to another pending case, while another was released through a court order and also turned over due to a pending case.

Among those released were 1,204 inmates from the New Bilibid Prison, 469 from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 356 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, and 313 from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm. The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City released 248 inmates, while the CIW Mindanao released 42 and the CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm released four. Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm released 180 inmates, and the Leyte Regional Prison released 134.

Catapang emphasized that these releases reflect a significant shift in the country’s correctional philosophy, which is now more focused on rehabilitation than punishment. He said the government’s goal is not only to help these individuals reclaim their lives but also to foster safer communities through reintegration.

“Proper reintegration programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates, allowing for better engagement with society and improved public safety,” Catapang said.

He added that as the country moves forward, maintaining a strong focus on rehabilitation and reintegration would help build a more just and equitable society.