A total of 2,950 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) had been released from the prison facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) from April 1 to June 11.
In a statement, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said that those released were either acquitted of their criminal charges, issued writ of habeas corpus, granted probation or turned over to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology due to pending cases in courts.
Those released included 248 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City; four from CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan; 42 from CIW Mindanao; 469 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF); 356 from IPPF; 134 from Leyte Regional Prison (LRP); 1,204 from NBP; 180 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro; and 313 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City.
Catapang sad that more reforms will be introduced in the BuCor including reintegration programs for released PDLs.
“By facilitating the reintegration of PDLs into society, the government not only helps these individuals reclaim their lives but also fosters safer communities,” he said.
He added: “Proper reintegration programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates, allowing for better engagement with society and improved public safety.”
Last May, Catapang ordered the establishment of halfway houses in all prison facilities.
The halfway houses will serve as temporary residences for individuals awaiting release and will also serve transitional spaces for released PDLs whose settlement arrangements are still pending.
He cited that Sen. Raffy Tulfo visited the NBP on Tuesday, June 10, and expressed commitment in establishing halfway houses. He said that Senator Tulfo assured the pushing for bills that would help in the reformation of the corrections system.