The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) released another batch of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and other penal firms nationwide on Thursday, Nov. 24.
In BuCor’s record, a total of 243 PDLs were freed — 128 from NBP, 21 from Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), 47 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 16 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, 12 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, 7 from Leyte Regional Farm, and 3 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
The 243 inmates have been released through the following modes:
- 12 - acquitted
- 1 - habeas corpus
- 106 - parole
- 104 - expired maximum sentences served in jail with Good Conduct Time Allowance
- 8 - expired completed maximum sentences with Good Conduct Time Allowance (through DO 953)
- 2 - granted probation
- 1 - lifting of arrest and recommitment
Speaking before the PDLs in Muntinlupa, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla said he told the United Nations (UN) that at least 5,000 PDLs would be freed nationwide by June 2023.
Last Nov. 15, Remulla reported the country’s justice system to the UN Human Rights Council during the regular Universal Periodic Review held in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said he also informed the UN that the Philippines is studying the possible “supervised releases” of PDLs who are 65 years old and above.
“Ang rate of crimes ng mga taong above 65 ay napaka-baba na. Pagdating natin ng 65, ayaw na natin makipaglaban sa batas,” he said.
However, the justice chief noted that those elder inmates who were convicted of sexual offenses are not included because they are “menace in the society.”
He said the release of inmates has been part of his plans since he was appointed as justice secretary.
“Alam ko bilang isang abugado na kapag may problema, dumaan sa piskal, dumaan sa hukuman at nasitensiyahan… Hindi naman lahat ng nahahatulan ay may sala at hindi lahat ng na-abswelto ay walang walang kasalanan. Ganun talaga ang sistema ating lipunan, minsan may pagkakamali, kadalasan naman ay tama,” Remulla said.
"Sana naman wala ng pagkakamali dahil gusto natin patas ang lahat," he added.
