MUNTINLUPA CITY — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) released another batch of 484 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) on 1 and 27 October 2025.
Of the total number, 92 PDLs participated in a ceremony held simultaneously across various operating prisons and penal farms, symbolizing a fresh start for those transitioning back to society.
In a culminating activity at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City, held as part of the 31st National Correctional Consciousness Week, the released PDLs came from the following facilities: New Bilibid Prison – 192; Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) – 26; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm – 48; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm – 78; Leyte Regional Prison – 27; Davao Prison and Penal Farm – 50; and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm – 63.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the modes of release were: acquittal – 101; cash bond – 1; probation – 21; habeas corpus – 16; parole – 37; and expired maximum sentence – 308.
Catapang emphasized the importance of skills learned during their time in correctional facilities, urging PDLs to carry these lessons into their new lives. He encouraged former inmates to embrace their second chances, noting that their success reflects the progress of BuCor.
He also urged them to avoid negative influences and strive for a positive future. BuCor has committed to releasing a total of 10,000 PDLs this year, signaling a hopeful shift toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Present during the culminating event were Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, Board of Pardons and Parole Chairman Sergio Calizo Jr., representatives from the Public Attorney’s Office Atty. Noliver F. Barrido and Atty. Maria Angela A. Hernandez, and senior officials from DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and partner organizations, including Laya Creative Hub and Bayo Manila Foundation Inc.