On 11 June 2025, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) held a bureauwide culminating activity with the theme “Pag – asang Walang Hanggan, Mula sa Bagong Landas ng Kalayaan” for the release of one hundred fifty-seven (157) Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This release is part of a total of two thousand nine hundred-fifty (2950) releases from April 01 to June 11, 2025. The event was spearheaded by the Directorate for External Relations and Reintegration Services (DERRS), under the leadership of CT/SUPT NOEL M MARQUEZ, DVM, DPA, Director of DERRS, and CT/INSP STELLA MAY C LAT, Chief of the External Affairs Division (EAD), in coordination with the External Affairs Sections (EAS) of all Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs). It was held at the National Headquarters of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Among the distinguished attendees were: HON. ALMARIM C TILLAH, AL HAJ, Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs; HON. SERGIO CALIZO JR., Chairperson of the Board of Pardons and Parole; ATTY. NAZARIO C. BANCORO JR., Public Attorney IV, and ATTY. NOLIVER F. BARRIDO, Public Attorney III, from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO); MS. LEILA R. LEGAYO, Labor and Employment Officer III/DILP Focal Person and MS. ELOISA M. SANTOS, Labor and Employment Officer I, from DOLE; GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, Director General, Bureau Of Corrections; ASEC AL I PERRERAS, Deputy Director General for Administration, CT/CSUPT MA CECILIA V VILLANUEVA, MD, CPro, Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General for Reformation, Director, Directorate for Health and Welfare Services, and other BuCor Officials.
HON. TILLAH emphasized that freedom is one of the most valuable and important thing a person can have and assured the released PDLs of his continued support, stating that he is always willing to offer guidance and advice whenever needed.
In his message, DIRECTOR CATAPANG highlighted the significance of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) program in the successful release of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and emphasized the importance of preserving their dignity as they reunite with their families. He also mentioned the Bureau’s reintegration programs, which aim to provide livelihood opportunities and equip PDLs with skills for life after incarceration. He affirmed that BuCor is an institution that believes in second chances and ended his speech with the hopeful vision of “Bagong BuCor, Bagong Pilipinas.”
HON. CALIZO JR. conveyed the importance of gratitude and encouraged the released PDL to give thanks to the Lord and their families for their continued support. He also wished them success as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
The total number of released PDLs was a result of the simultaneous culminating program from the different OPPFs, consisting of 47 – at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), 6 – at Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), Mandaluyong City, 8 – Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF), 41 – at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), 45 – Leyte Regional Prison (LRP), 6 – San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF), and 4 – at Davao Prison and Penal (DPPF).
The smooth and efficient release of PDLs was greatly supported by the joint collaboration of the Management Screening Evaluation Committee (MSEC), PDL Documents and Processing Division (PDPD), and the Separation Center Offices throughout all OPPFs.
The successful mass release of PDLs, carried out under the leadership of BuCor DIRECTOR GENERAL CATAPANG, reflects a significant achievement in the Bureau’s mission to provide individuals with a transformative opportunity to restore their lives and reintegrate into society with hope and honor.
CTO1 Jaycille B Cagoco
CTO1 Jocelyn C Cezar
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