Nearly 3,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty Released
From April 1 to June 11, a total of 2,950 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released from various Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) facilities nationwide. These releases resulted from acquittals, writs of habeas corpus, probation grants, or transfers to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology due to pending court cases.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. highlighted that the released individuals came from several key prisons: 248 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, 4 from CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan, and 42 from CIW Mindanao. Additionally, 469 were released from Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF), 356 from IPPF, 134 from Leyte Regional Prison (LRP), 1,204 from New Bilibid Prison (NBP), 180 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro, and 313 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City.
New Reforms and Reintegration Efforts
Catapang emphasized that the BuCor is set to introduce more reforms, focusing especially on reintegration programs for released PDLs. “By facilitating the reintegration of PDLs into society, the government not only helps these individuals reclaim their lives but also fosters safer communities,” he stated.
He added, “Proper reintegration programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates, allowing for better engagement with society and improved public safety.”
Last May, Catapang ordered the creation of halfway houses in all prison facilities. These halfway houses will provide temporary housing for PDLs awaiting release and serve as transitional spaces for those whose post-release settlement plans are still pending.
Support from Local Leaders
Senator Raffy Tulfo recently visited the New Bilibid Prison on June 10 and expressed strong support for the halfway house initiative. The senator pledged to advocate for legislation that will enhance the corrections system and promote the successful rehabilitation of PDLs.
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