BuCor releases 240 prisoners

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said 240 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released on Monday, bringing to 6,110 the total number of PDLs released since January.

The release ceremony took place at the Sunken Garden of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City after a Thanksgiving Mass held in celebration of National Correctional Consciousness Week.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said 124 prisoners had completed their maximum sentences, 30 were acquitted, 16 were placed under probation, and 69 were granted parole. One individual was turned over to jail due to a pending case.

The breakdown of the PDL releases were: 19 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City; 2 from CIW-Mindanao; 33 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm; 6 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; 15 from Leyte Regional Prison; 49 from NBP's Maximum Security Camp; 48 from NBP's Medium Security Camp; 10 from NBP's Minimum Security Camp; 5 from NBP's Reception and Diagnostic Center; 23 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm; and 30 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.

Also on Monday, the BuCor signed a groundbreaking agreement with BP One Foods Inc. that will provide employment opportunities for former prisoners.

Catapang said the partnership highlights a commitment to support the reintegration of former inmates into society.

Under the memorandum of agreement, BuCor, through its Directorate for External Relations (DER), will implement comprehensive pre-release and post-release reintegration programs that focus on securing familial and community support before and after release.

The DER will send referral letters to government organizations, non-governmental organizations and private sectors to seek assistance in employment, medical support and financial aid for released individuals.

BP One Foods President Antonio Sebastian Escalante said the company is committed to expanding its operations in Metro Manila, promising competitive job opportunities and compensation while creating a supportive work environment.

Catapang said that San Miguel Corp. has also expressed interest in employing former PDLs who will complete their studies through the