Manila: Prison management in the country has made significant strides in the first three years of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. reported three major accomplishments that enhanced prison management and improved the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). From July 2022 to December 2025, Catapang said BuCor released 28,880 PDLs, surpassing the total number of released PDLs during the full terms of past administrations. Among those released, 18,222 individuals benefitted from the expiration of their sentences while others secured their freedom through various means, like parole and acquittal.

Another accomplishment was the substantial reduction in overcrowding within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, with congestion dramatically decreased by 69 percent, down from 356 percent in 2022. 'Nang dumating ako sa BuCor, and population ng NBP nasa 29,000. Pero ngayon, nasa 21,000 na lang (When I first came to BuCor, the population of NBP was 29,000. But now, there are only 21,000),' Catapang said. He said this was achieved through the construction of new dormitories and the transfer of over 13,000 PDLs to other facilities.

Meanwhile, Catapang said prison personnel management upgrade led to the addition of 4,240 staff members and the promotion of nearly 900 personnel, ensuring that 'the workforce is robust and well-equipped to deal with the complexities of prison management.' Moreover, 10,000 personnel have benefited from the comprehensive education and training programs, strengthening the workforce dedicated to the rehabilitation of PDLs. 'However, accountability is equally emphasized when the bureau has taken decisive action against 177 personnel who failed to meet standards, dismissing or reprimanding them as necessary to uphold integrity within the system,' Catapang said.