The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has announced it has no record of human rights violations in 2023, citing data from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

During a hearing of the House Committee on Justice, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said there were no documented cases of torture, or other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment (CIDTP) against persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the bureau’s custody.

The claim was supported by CHR Resolution No. POL 2024-013 issued in November 2024, signed by CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc, Commissioners Beda Efres and Faydah Dumarpa, and Justice Monica Zenarosa.

According to the data from CHR, out of 47 human rights violation cases investigated nationwide in 2023;

• 66 percent or 31 cases involved officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP)

• 14.9%, or seven cases, were allegedly committed by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), while five cases or 10.6 percent came from provincial jails

Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro, congratulated Catapang for his performance in implementing reforms within the bureau.

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez also commended Catapang for “turning things around” in the correctional system.