BuCor plans to hire 2,000 more personnel until 2028 to boost security, rehabilitation of PDLs
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has adopted a three-year plan to hire 2,000 more personnel until 2028 to boost its mandate of custodial security and rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the bureau has a total of 8,589 personnel in 2025 and the plan is to have 10,589 personnel by 2028.
Catapang emphasized that the plan is not just focused on adding numbers but to balance rank distribution and address personnel needs at all levels.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, BuCor reported a total of 8,726 personnel -- 442 Correctional Technical Officers (CTOs); 8,022 Correctional Officers (COs); and 262 civilian staff members.
The BuCor said it has 699 unfilled positions, which, Catapang explained, necessitates ongoing recruitment and strategic placement to correct the imbalance in rank distribution.
To address the issue, he said that the BuCor has committed to enhancing its recruitment processes and developing internal talent through targeted training programs.
The strategic focus aims not only to fill vacant positions but also to prepare personnel for future leadership roles within the organization, he also said.
He added that starting the first quarter of 2026, the BuCor will streamline the mandatory career courses to include Corrections Officer Basic Recruit Course (COBRC), Corrections Officer Junior Supervisory Course (COJSC), and Officer Candidate School-Corrections Officer Candidate Course (OCS-COCC).
The three courses are designed to equip personnel with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring they are prepared to meet the unique challenges of their duties, he explained.
BuCor has seven operating prison and penal farms nationwide.