The Bureau of Corrections on Monday said they have transferred another batch of 500 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang  Jr. said this brings to 13, 781 the total number of PDLs transferred from NBP to other Prison and Penal Farms as part of the bureau’s decongestion program and preparation for the plan closure of the National penitentiary by 2028.

The transferred PDLs were escorted by 150 personnel from the NBP with augmentation from Philippine National Police Muntinlupa.

The security and logistics of the transfer were meticulously managed, with support from units monitoring key routes including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Star Tollway Arterial Road (STAR) Patrol, said Catapang.

This comprehensive approach not only aims to enhance the living conditions of PDLs but also underscores the government's commitment to reforming the penal system in the country, Catapang added.

On the other hand, Catapang ordered all Superintendents of OPPFs to take necessary measures to protect lives and properties in their areas of jurisdiction in preparation for tropical depression “Verbena.”