On 12 May 2026, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) held a bureau-wide culminating activity at the Administration Building façade of the National Headquarters, New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation, Muntinlupa City, for the release of 25 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The activity formed part of the Bureau’s continuing reintegration efforts and contributed to a total of 1,180 PDL releases from 28 March to 12 May 2026.
The activity was spearheaded by the Directorate for External Relations and Reintegration Services (DERRS), under the leadership of C/CINSP EUSEBIO B DEL ROSARIO, JR., MPA, Acting Director, DERRS, and CT/INSP STELLA MAY C LAT, Deputy Director, DERRS, in coordination with the External Affairs Sections (EAS) of all Operating Prisons and Penal Farms (OPPFs).
The event was graced by distinguished guests: HONORABLE FREDDERICK A. VIDA, Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ); HONORABLE FRANCIS JOHN L. TEJANO, Assistant Secretary, DOJ; HONORABLE SERGIO CALIZO, JR., Chairperson, Board of Parole and Pardons (BPP); DR. JANETTE S. PADUA, CESO V, MNSA, MPSA, Regional Director, DOJ, PPA-NCR; ATTY. NAZARIO C. BANCORO, JR., Public Attorney IV, representative from Public Attorney’s Office (PAO); ATTY. DEMITEER U. HUERTA, Public Attorney IV, (PAO); and MR. JEREMIAH T. CARLOS, OIC, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)– MUNTAPARLAS.
Also present were BuCor key officials, namely CT/CSUPT MA CECILIA V VILLANUEVA, MD, CPro, Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General for Reformation (DDGR); ASEC AL I PERRERAS, Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA); ASEC GIL T TORRALBA, Deputy Director General for Security Operations (DDGSO); and GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, BuCor Director General.
In her message, CT/CSUPT VILLANUEVA conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guests for their steadfast support in the release of PDL. She shared that there are two kinds of freedom: freedom from confinement and freedom of the heart. She emphasized the importance of personal transformation, renewed purpose, and family reunification as the released PDL reintegrate into the community and begin a new chapter in their lives.
DG CATAPANG emphasized that the activity marked a meaningful milestone for the released PDL, symbolizing a fresh start and renewed hope. He encouraged other PDL to actively participate in the Bureau’s reformation and faith-based programs to strengthen their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and undergo personal transformation in preparation for their eventual release and successful reintegration into society. He also highlighted the Bureau’s off-base housing project and other initiatives aimed at enhancing welfare and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for both released PDL and BuCor personnel.
SOJ VIDA delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that every individual has an important role in society and that life offers second chances. He also underscored that government personnel continue to work hand in hand, guided by compassion and commitment, to support PDL in their journey toward reformation and eventual release. He further affirmed the importance of programs and services that help released PDL rebuild their lives and return productively to their communities.
The activity was made possible through the strong support and strategic direction of DG CATAPANG, whose leadership continues to strengthen and expand programs for PDL. Through these initiatives, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for successful reintegration and productive return to the community.
CO1 Alaiza L Bawit
Contributor
