The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Monday that the release of 1,058 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) brings the total number of inmates freed to 20,629 since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office.
In a statement, the BuCor disclosed that the latest release of PDLs reflects ongoing efforts toward the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society.
Those released between 1 and 31 March 2025 included 188 who attended a culminating event held at the New Bilibid Prison Compound in Muntinlupa City.
BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the reasons for their release included expiration of sentence (747), parole (159), acquittal (112), probation (21), habeas corpus (18), and one turnover to court.
Among those released were 49 from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City; three from CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; 16 from CIW Mindanao; 141 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm; 96 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; 81 from Leyte Regional Prison; four from New Bilibid Prison and 150 from the Maximum Security Camp of NBP.
It also includes 182 from the Medium Security Camp of NBP; 149 from the Minimum Security Camp of NBP; 21 from the Reception and Diagnostic Center of NBP; 52 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm; and 114 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.
Present during the culminating event were Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, representing Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla; Justice Assistant Secretary Francis John Tejano; Atty. Ronald Macorol of the Public Attorney’s Office; and Attys. Rachel Ruelo and Josefina Santos, both board members of the Board of Pardons and Parole.
During the event, Marco stressed the importance of embracing second chances, urging the newly freed individuals to rebuild their lives positively and aim for personal transformation. He encouraged resilience against societal stigma and the necessity of looking forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
“Even if there is stigma, you must continue, set goals and focus, don’t let the past define your being,” Marco said.