Muntinlupa city: Two hundred persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have been transferred to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm located in San Ramon, Zamboanga City this week, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. stated that this transfer increased the total number of PDLs moved from the NBP to various Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs) to 16,530 since he assumed office in 2022. Catapang highlighted that these transfers are essential to the BuCor's comprehensive strategy aimed at alleviating overcrowding in the New Bilibid Prison and preparing for its eventual closure.
Catapang emphasized the significance of these relocations for improving living conditions within the penal system and providing better rehabilitation opportunities. He explained that by redistributing the inmate population more evenly across other OPPFs nationwide, the bureau aims to promote safe and humane detention environments that support correctional goals.
NBP Chief Superintendent Gary Garcia reported that the 200 PDLs were successfully escorted by a team of 70 personnel from the NBP. Additionally, 500 PDLs were transferred to the Zamboanga penal farm in March this year. The BuCor has completed 1,909 PDL transfers out of the targeted 7,000 for this year, according to Garcia.
