On 20 January 2026, international delegates and representatives from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) visited the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
The delegates were warmly welcomed by C/SSUPT ROGER O BONCALES, NBP Superintendent, together with C/CINSP MARLON E MANGUBAT, Deputy Superintendent for Security and Operations of NBP and Camp Commander of the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), C/CINSP HENRY A AVILA, Camp Commander of Maximum Security Camp (MaxSeCamp), NBP, C/CINSP MAURICIO GRATIS, Camp Commander, Medium Security Camp (MedSeCamp), and C/CINSP ROY S VIVO, Camp Commander, Minimum Security Camp (MinSeCamp).
The international delegates and representatives of UNODC were led by MR. MARTIN PERFECTO, National Program Officer, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Prison Reform), along with MR. NICK TOBIA, MR. SHERWIN ANTONIO, and MS. MONICA JOSE.
The visit and discussion provided context for the international delegates who will speak on the 2nd National Jail and Prison Decongestion Summit of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), with the support of the UNODC and the European Union-Governance in Justice (EU-GOJUST) program, to be held on 21-23 January 2026.
Also, an Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) were presented which allows international delegates to understand the NBP notable accomplishments such as decongestion program, Persons Deprived of Liberty (PsDL) transfer to Operating Prisons and Penal Farms (OPPFs), as well as the Reformation and Reintegration programs of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Following the discussion, UNODC delegates proceeded to NBP-MaxSeCamp facilities for a guided site visit. They were given an opportunity to witness the process of the visiting procedure at Inmate Visitation Services Unit (IVSU), medical procedure and facilities in NBP Hospital, the Alternative and Learning System (ALS) classrooms and dialogue with PsDL Teachers, and visited selected PsDL Dormitory to gain a clearer understanding of the daily living conditions within prison community.
The visit highlights the efforts of BuCor in managing and sustaining the security and reformation of PsDL. This also strengthens the support of International Stakeholders in the modernization of prison facilities, as well as the daily challenges, programs, and other opportunities that will benefit mutual concerns.
