Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced the release of 1,156 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) between June 12 and July 17, raising the total number of freed inmates to 33,919 since June 30, 2022. This significant release is part of an ongoing effort by the government to manage prison populations and facilitate the reintegration of former inmates into society.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest group of released PDLs includes 79 Muslims, bringing the total number of Muslim inmates released since June 2022 to 2,032. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized that the released individuals were from various correctional facilities nationwide, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring equitable treatment and support for all inmates, regardless of their background.

The New Bilibid Prison reported the highest number of releases, with 437 PDLs regaining their freedom. It was followed by Davao Prison and Penal Farm with 279 releases, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm with 141, and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm with 102. Additional releases included 91 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, 48 from Leyte Regional Prison, 57 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), and a single release from CIW Mindanao.

Catapang reiterated the importance of including 79 Muslim PDLs in the recent releases, underscoring BuCor's dedication to providing fair treatment and support to minority groups within the prison system. The ongoing efforts to release PDLs are part of a broader strategy to promote justice and rehabilitation within the correctional framework.