The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Wednesday the release of 2,923 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from 1 April to 11 June, with a culminating ceremony held at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
The recent releases bring the total number of PDLs freed under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration to 23,579.
BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its decision extending Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) benefits to all PDLs, including those convicted of heinous crimes, facilitating early releases.
The releases were categorized as 2,373 due to expiration of sentence, 228 due to acquittal, 212 by parole, 76 through habeas corpus, 59 granted probation, one turned over to jail for another case, and one by court order and turnover with a pending case.
Among those released were 248 from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, four from CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 42 from CIW Mindanao, 469 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 356 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 134 from Leyte Regional Prison, 1,204 from New Bilibid Prison, 180 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, and 313 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.
Catapang highlighted that the releases underscore a shift in the Philippine correctional philosophy toward rehabilitation rather than solely punishment.
“By facilitating the reintegration of PDLs into society, the government not only helps these individuals reclaim their lives but also fosters safer communities,” Catapang said, adding that proper reintegration programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
In a related development, Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo pledged support for the Department of Justice and BuCor in reforming the Philippine correctional system.
During a visit to the Minimum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison, Tulfo informed BuCor officials, led by Catapang, of his intention to file legislation for a unified penology and correctional system by merging the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with BuCor.
Tulfo also plans to prioritize a bill advocating for the release of sickly elderly inmates, acknowledging their unique challenges within the penal system. He assured BuCor officials of improved budgetary requirements to facilitate necessary facility upgrades, enhance staff training and improve inmate access to services.
Meantime, Catapang welcomed the senator’s support, stating that such enhancements are crucial for improving the lives of PDLs, especially given challenges like overcrowding, insufficient resources and outdated infrastructure.