PDLs remember the departed virtually

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has activated its Electronic Undas (E-Undas) program at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), allowing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to connect virtually with their families during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. launched the initiative to give inmates an opportunity to pray, remember departed loved ones and draw emotional comfort from virtual interactions with their families while they observe Undas at cemeteries.

The program uses electronic communication facilities and scheduled virtual interactions under prison supervision and existing security protocols.

On Saturday, Catapang also attended a Holy Mass at the NBP Cemetery to honor PDLs buried at the facility.

The cemetery is the final resting place of 1,538 PDLs, including 457 unclaimed bodies whose burials Catapang ordered from 2024 to the present, BuCor said.

Catapang said the observance underscored the bureau’s responsibility to remember the deceased, particularly those without family members or relatives who could visit their graves during the annual tradition.

NBP Superintendent Gary Garcia directed camp commanders to provide electronic communication facilities, establish schedules and ensure eligible PDLs have a fair opportunity to participate.

Garcia said the initiative reflects BuCor’s efforts to support family ties and the emotional and spiritual well-being of inmates as part of their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.