The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) successfully maintained its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Certification following a comprehensive surveillance audit conducted by TÜV SÜD PSB, director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. announced Sunday.

He disclosed that the rigorous audit assessed crucial operational processes, including Admission, Security, Reformation, Support to Operation and Release, across three major penal farms — the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, the Leyte Regional Prison and the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Auditors, led by Orlan Tiongson, conducted the evaluation from 24 to 28 November and highlighted several key accomplishments by the agency.

Notably, the auditors recognized the BuCor Head of Agency as a “Modern Hero Awardee,” which Catapang said symbolizes leadership that inspires positive change.

The agency was also acknowledged for maintaining a zero-incidence record of torture, as certified by the Commission on Human Rights, demonstrating a strong commitment to the dignity and rights of all Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Additional recognition was given for BuCor’s “HR Prime” certification from the Civil Service Commission for excellence in human resource management, and for successfully hosting the Asia-Pacific Regional Correctional Conference.

The efficient release rate of PDLs was also commended, showcasing the effectiveness of the Release Process.

Catapang said the achievement once again proves that BuCor’s policy is firmly aligned with international standards for providing quality services to PDLs.

Auditors also praised the courteous interactions between BuCor personnel and the PDLs, noting the use of greetings and saluting as a testament to the reformed culture within the institutions.

The audit revealed a significant reduction in minor non-conformities, from 10 in 2024 to only two in 2025, with zero major non-conformities reported and Catapang said that this accomplishment serves as an encouraging milestone for BuCor, reinforcing their mandate and inspiring personnel to strive for excellence.

In a related development, 240 PDLs from NBP were transferred Friday to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm as part of the bureau’s decongestion program and in preparation for the planned closure of NBP by 2028.

The transfer was escorted by 80 corrections officers from BuCor SWAT, Medical personnel, and other escort groups, with augmentation from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard.