Manila: Bureau of Corrections Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. advised 338 new prison officers to shun illegal acts as they commence their public service as uniformed personnel.

According to Philippines News Agency, Catapang addressed the 234 new male and 104 female graduates of the Custodial Officer Recruitment Course Class 2025-01, emphasizing the importance of integrity and discipline. Catapang urged the new officers to embody the vision of a 'Bagong BuCor sa Bagong Pilipinas' (New BuCor in the New Philippines) by consistently demonstrating integrity, service, and discipline.

He advised the officers to adhere strictly to the BuCor manual and resist any illegal orders from superiors. Catapang emphasized that wearing the uniform requires significant changes in behavior and speech, underscoring the importance of accountability, as superior officers would also be held responsible for the actions of their subordinates.

Catapang assured the new officers of the agency's support, promising not to let them down and to look after their families. BuCor is also launching an ambitious housing project to provide 8,000 homes for its personnel nationwide, further demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of its officers.