BuCor transfers over 16K inmates
Catapang said the transfers are part of a broader effort to ease severe congestion at Bilibid and prepare the historic facility for its ultimate closure.
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Daily TribuneCatapang said the transfers are part of a broader effort to ease severe congestion at Bilibid and prepare the historic facility for its ultimate closure.
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The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has transferred 16,530 inmates from the overcrowded New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to regional facilities across the country since director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. took office in 2022, officials said Wednesday.
The announcement came following the arrival Tuesday night of 200 inmates at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, who were moved from the main facility in Muntinlupa City.
Catapang said the transfers are part of a broader effort to ease severe congestion at Bilibid and prepare the historic facility for its ultimate closure.
“By distributing the inmate population more evenly among other operating prison and penal farms nationwide, the bureau hopes to promote safe and humane detention environments that support correctional goals,” Catapang said, noting that relocating inmates improves living conditions and rehabilitation opportunities.
A security detail of 70 personnel escorted the latest group of 200 inmates, according to NBP Superintendent Gary A. Garcia.
Garcia added that the bureau has moved 1,909 inmates so far this year toward its target of 7,000 transfers.
The bureau continues to coordinate with local government units and partner agencies to ensure the secure and orderly transfer of prisoners, officials said.
