THE Bureau of Corrections released at least 850 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from July 19 to August 30, 2024, bringing the total number of inmates who have gained their freedom under the Marcos administration to 15,943.
Of the 850 released, 146 were due to acquittal, 487 for expiration of maximum sentence with good conduct time allowance, 28 for expiration of maximum sentence (actual), 2 on bail bond, 1 on cash bond, 1 turned over to jail, 1 released on recognizance, 166 granted parole, and 18 granted probation.
Those released were from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City (46), CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) (1), CIW-Mindanao (4), Davao Prison and Penal Farm (135), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (49), Leyte Regional Prison (45), New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Maximum Security Camp (199), NBP Medium Security Camp (169), NBP Minimum Security Camp (39), NBP Reception and Diagnostic Center (22), Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (76), and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (65).
Meanwhile, citing the cases of two Corrections Officers and PDLs involved in separate illegal activities who were recently arrested, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang said he has already ordered all operating prisons and penal farms (OPPF) to undertake regular rotation of personnel assigned to secure PDLs to avoid familiarity.
“Effective immediately, all personnel who have direct contact with PDLs, such as keepers, patrol, post tower guards, gate officers, escorts, and others, shall be rotated every 15 days,” Catapang said.
Catapang stressed that “we have to put an end to this undue familiarity between PDLs and BuCor personnel.”
