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27,281 PDLs freed since July 2022 -- BuCor

Philippines | National

27,281 PDLs freed since July 2022 -- BuCor

By Jeffrey Damicog

A total of 27,281 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in various prison and penal farms of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) had been released from July 2022 until November 2025.

The number of released PDLs was reported by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. to Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary Fredderick A. Vida during the latter’s visit at the bureau’s headquarters in Muntinlupa City.

Catapang told Vida that the number of released PDLs surpassed the figure achieved during the past administration.

Thus, he said, the immediate release of qualified PDLs helped in the decongestion of jail facilities nationwide.

Citing an example, Catapang said that the reduction of congestion at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, the largest prison facility, was 69 percent.

Also, during Vida’s visit, Catapang presented BuCor’s long-term strategy in transforming its operational structure including closing the NBP by 2028 and erecting modern regional prison facilities.

Since July 2022, Catapang said the BuCor has hired 4,240 additional personnel and promoted 858 officers.

“In a push for accountability, 177 personnel were subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal, suspension, or reprimand,” he also said.

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