BALANGA CITY, Bataan — A top official of the Bataan probation and parole office revealed on Wednesday that most of the probationers are involved in drug-related cases.

This was learned from Frances O. Cabuquit, head of Bataan probation office, who said that of the 980 total number of probationers her office is handling, 86 percent of them were convicted due to drug-related cases.

She said there are also 34 active parolees and 255 applicants for probation.

Cabuquit held a meeting this morning inside Camp Tolentino with Col. Marites A. Salvadora, Bataan police directress, where the two top government officials discussed various issues concerning the status of probationers and parolees.

Under RA 10707, “Probation, as defined by law, is a privilege granted by the court to a person convicted of a crime (not higher than 6 years of conviction), allowing them to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving a prison sentence. It’s a form of community-based correction that aims to rehabilitate offenders while ensuring public safety.”

“My heart is broken everytime I see a person convicted and appyling for probation in our office as I am a pro-life,” Cabuquit said.

The same was also stated by Salvadora who assured Cabuquit of her support to her office such as in documentation of probationers.