Zamboanga: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Monday announced the transfer of 500 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga. This move is a strategic effort to alleviate overcrowding at the NBP in anticipation of its phased closure by 2028.
According to Philippines News Agency, the transfer included 56 PDLs from the Maximum Security Camp and 444 from the Medium Security Camp of the NBP, accompanied by a team of 141 escorts. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. outlined plans for further relocations, which involve transferring 300 PDLs to Palawan Prison and Penal Farm, 400 to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, and another 300 to Davao Prison and Penal Farm by the end of April.
Director General Catapang emphasized that this systematic redistribution aims to reduce the strain on the NBP while ensuring continued humane treatment and rehabilitation programs for inmates. By tackling overcrowding issues, the BuCor aims to foster a more manageable and rehabilitative environment for PDLs.
The initiative, under the banner of 'Bagong Bucor sa Bagong Pilipinas,' seeks to transform the correctional landscape in the Philippines, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment as a core objective.
