On 01 October 2025, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) conducted a bureauwide culminating activity with the theme, “Nagbukas ang Pag-asa sa Paglayang Natamasa” to highlight the release of one hundred eighty-five (185) Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This is part of the one thousand six hundred ninety-nine (1699) total releases facilitated by BuCor from 31 July to 30 September 2025.
The activity was organized by the Directorate for External Relations and Reintegration Services (DERRS), led by CT/SUPT NOEL M MARQUEZ, DVM, DPA, Director of DERRS, and CT/INSP STELLA MAY C LAT, Deputy Director of DERRS, in coordination with the External Affairs Sections (EAS) of all Operating Prisons and Penal Farms (OPPFs). The program was held at the National Headquarters (NHQ) of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Distinguished guests in attendance included HON. GENER M GITO, Associate Justice, Sandiganbayan; HON. MICHELLE LAPUZ, Assistant Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ); HON. ALMARIM C. TILLAH, AL HAJ, President of the Muslim Association of the Philippines (MAPI); HON. SERGIO CALIZO, JR., Chairperson, Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), along with Atty. Rachel D. Ruelo and Ms. Josefina Santos, Board Members, BPP; Atty. Ronald R. Macorol, Public Attorney IV, and Atty. Noliver F. Barrido, Public Attorney III, representing the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO); and GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, Director General of BuCor, together with other key officials.
In her welcome remarks, CT/CSUPT MA CECILIA V VILLANUEVA, MD, CPRO emphasized that the day marked not only the release of PDLs but also a moment of transformation and new beginnings. She commended their courage, thanked BuCor’s partners for their support, and reminded the PDLs: “Yakapin ang pagbabago. As you reintegrate into society, remember that you are not alone, never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.”
CT/SUPT MARQUEZ formally introduced the Guest of Honor and Speaker, HON. GITO, underscoring the significance of his presence and his accomplishments as a dedicated public servant over the years. HON. GITO conveyed his appreciation to DIRECTOR GENERAL CATAPANG for the invitation, recalled his service as a Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge in Muntinlupa City where he handled cases on RA 10592 or the Good Conduct and Time Allowance (GCTA) Law and its 2019 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and reminded the released PDLs: “Don’t make the same mistakes again. Move forward with hope, carry the lessons learned during your time in incarceration, and use them to guide you in building a better future.”
In his message, DIRECTOR GENERAL CATAPANG extended his gratitude to the guests and partners for their continued support. He reported that over the past three years, BuCor has facilitated the release of more than 23,000 PDLs, affirming the Bureau’s commitment to further streamline the release process and enable more PDLs to reunite with their families.
Meanwhile, HON. LAPUZ referred to the released PDLs as Very Important Persons (VIP), describing them as symbols of hope and inspiration. She relayed two messages from DOJ Secretary JESUS CRISPIN C. REMULLA: first, that the DOJ remains steadfast in its support of their reintegration, and second, that they embody love and dedication to their families and communities. She assured them that they are not alone in their journey toward reintegration.
The total number of released PDLs was a result of the simultaneous culminating program from the different OPPFs, consisting of one hundred fifty-one (151) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), twenty-six (26) at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), and eight (8 ) at Leyte Regional Prison (LRP).
The orderly and synchronized release of PDLs across all OPPFs reflects the effective collaboration of BuCor’s key units. This achievement was realized through the concerted efforts of the Management, Screening and Evaluation Committee (MSEC), the PDL Documents and Processing Division (PDPD), the Cashier, and the Separation Center Offices, whose coordinated work ensured the prompt processing and release of PDLs.
Guided by the leadership of DG CATAPANG, the release of PDL stands as a significant milestone in BuCor’s commitment to restoring lives, giving individuals the chance to return to their families and communities with renewed hope.
Ms. Michelle Angela N. Andrada
Contributor
