Muntinlupa city: The number of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) released since the start of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022 has reached 31,619. The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) reported on Wednesday the release of an additional 1,180 inmates from March 29 to May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a ceremonial event held at the bureau's headquarters in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang stated their aim to release at least 10,000 PDLs in the remaining two years of the Marcos administration. Catapang highlighted discussions with Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) chairperson Sergio Calizo Jr. regarding the modernization of the case review process for PDLs who have already served their minimum sentences.

The BuCor plans to install a server at the BPP to provide instant access to the carpeta- the inmate case folders - essential for managing sentences and determining release eligibility. This initiative is aimed at expediting reviews and ensuring the timely release of qualified PDLs.

Beyond administrative improvements, the BuCor is actively promoting faith-based rehabilitation as a crucial element of restorative rehabilitation. Catapang emphasized that spiritual engagement helps reduce violence within correctional facilities and supports earlier release for deserving inmates. He expressed hope that the bureau would stand as a proud legacy of the President, not only within the Philippines but globally, as an institution committed to providing second chances.

Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida echoed these sentiments, urging released PDLs to focus on hopeful futures rather than past mistakes. Vida encouraged them to find purpose each day and reaffirmed his support for faith-based rehabilitation, highlighting that challenges beyond human strength are manageable through divine faith.