On November 25, 2024, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) held a culminating activity for the release of 104 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This release is part of a total of 500 releases from October 22 to November 25, 2024. Themed “Bagong Pag-asa’y Matatamasa, Para sa Pamilyang sa Amin ay Umaasa” the event was organized by the Directorate for External Relations (DER), led by CT/SUPT NOEL M MARQUEZ and CT/INSP STELLA MAY C LAT, with support from the External Affairs Sections (EAS) across all Operating Prisons and Penal Farms (OPPFs). The activity took place at the National Headquarters, New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Muntinlupa City, and other OPPFs.
Among the distinguished attendees of the program were HON. ALMARIM C TILLAH, AL HAJ, Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs; USEC DEO L. MARCO and ASEC FRANCIS JOHN L. TEJANO of the Department of Justice (DOJ); ATTY. REVELYN V. RAMOS-DACPANO, Regional Public Attorney National Capital Region (NCR) Head Executive Support Staff, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO); ATTY. RONALD R. MACOROL, Public Attorney – IV, OIC – Special and Appealed Cases Service; USEC SERGIO CALIZO JR, Chairperson, Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) and ATTY. RACHEL D. RUELO, Board Member, BPP; and GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH.
In his message, GENERAL CATAPANG JR recognized the existing laws that serve as the foundation for BuCor’s continuous progress. He also acknowledged the presence of numerous female attendees during the culminating activity in observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), held from November 25 to December 12, 2024. He highlighted the process of strengthening partnerships with other agencies to facilitate the reintegration of released PDLs. Additionally, he mentioned the heightened security measures through the implementation of the “No Cellphone Policy” to prevent the entry of contraband into the facilities. To conclude his message, GENERAL CATAPANG reminded the released PDLs to work hand in hand toward the Bagong BuCor sa Bagong Pilipinas.
The total number of released PDL was a result of the simultaneous culminating program from the different OPPFs consisting of 238 – at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), 44 – at Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF), 41 – at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), 39 – at Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), Mandaluyong City, 53 – at Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF), 56 – at San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF), 9 – at CIW-Mindanao, and 20 – at Leyte Regional Prison.
The successful implementation of this initiative underscores the efforts of several key groups, including the Management Screening Evaluation Committee (MSEC), the PDL Documents and Processing Division (PDPD), and the Separation Center Offices at all OPPFs. Their teamwork played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient release of PDL from their facilities.
The culminating activity was seamlessly executed under the guidance of BuCor Director-General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., in alignment with the directives of H.E. FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR. Furthermore, SOJ REMULLA provided vital support in efforts to decongest prison facilities while also driving significant reforms aimed at improving the conditions and rehabilitation of PDLs.
Ms. Michelle Angela N. Andrada
Contributor
