The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a technical working group (TWG) to speed up the transfer of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates to regional prisons and to put up facilities that will hold persons convicted of heinous crimes.
The creation of a TWG was contained in Department Order No. 208 issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, the DOJ said in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 24.
“Our prison system and facilities reflect the efficiency of the State in rebuilding lives who have once become astray for certain reasons beyond our control,” Remulla said.
“In reforming those who have transgressed our laws, we should consider not only the welfare of the PDLs but the security and well-being of our community as well,” he said.
Remulla explained that the expeditious transfer of NBP's PDLs and the setting up of facilities for those convicted of heinous crimes are provided for under Republic Act 11928, the Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes Act.
“Ideally, this project aims to establish a facility in a suitable location away from the general population and other PDLs, preferably within a military establishment or an island separate from the mainland,” the DOJ said.
Under Remulla's order, the TWG will be chaired by DOJ Undersecretary Deo L. Marco and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr.
The other members of the TWG are DOJ Assistant Secretary Francis John L. Tejano who was has been named as vice-chairperson, and nine other BuCor officials -- Deputy Director General Al I. Perreras, Deputry Director General Gil T. Torralba, Officer-In-Charge Deputy Director General C/CSupt. Celso S. Bravo, Directorate for Security Operations acting head C/CInsp. Eduardo P. Gogorza, Legal Service chief C/SSupt. Melencio S. Faustino, Persons Deprived of LIberty (PDL) Documents and Processing Division chief S/SInsp. Raymund D. Peneyra, NBP acting superintendent C/CInsp. Roger Boncales, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm acting superintendent C/Insp. Angelito Lapitan, and Correctional Institution for Women acting superintendent C/SSupt. Daisy S. Castillote.
Remulla's order also stated that representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime will be invited as TWG external members.
The TWG has also been been instructed “to submit its Report to the Secretary not later than ninety (90) days from the issuance of the Department Order.”