Over 600 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released this month of January as the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) continuously exert efforts to decongest its prisons, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
"The reforms we've introduced are not just about improving systems; they're about recognizing the potential in every individual and fostering their contribution to society," said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla in a statement.
“Witnessing the successful reintegration of PDLs into our communities underscores our pursuit of a justice system that champions rehabilitation and collective progress,” he said.
PDLs released this month were from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City with 356 inmates; Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, 61; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro, 16; San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm(SRPPF) in Zamboanga City, 43; Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Davao del Norte, 105; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan, 24; and Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) in Abuyog, Leyte, 125.
With the recent releases, a total of 11,347 PDLs had been freed since June 2022 at the start of the administration under President Marcos.
Remulla said the number of released PDLs is a significant progress in addressing prison congestion and enhancing the treatment of prisoners and adhering to the United Nations (UN) Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Since July 2022, BuCor had successfully released a total of 9,228 PDLs, with 3,372 of them freed during the latter half of 2022 and 5,856 in 2023.
“The DOJ remains committed to upholding the rights and well-being of PDLs while ensuring public safety and upholding the law. These ongoing efforts aim to create a correctional system that is not only just but also focused on rehabilitation and positive societal impact,” the DOJ said in a statement.
To streamline the release process and improve prison management, the DOJ cited it has implemented comprehensive measures including enhancing legal support through the Public Attorney’s Office, digitizing over 48,000 records with the Single Carpeta System, and simplifying the parole and clemency processes.
It also said it has also adjusted bail recommendatins for indigent litigants and fostered efficient inter-agency collaboration.