The Bureau of Customs (BuCor) released 371 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa and other prisons facilities on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
According to BuCor’s data, executive clemency was granted to a total of 191 inmates from NBP, 37 female inmates from Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong, and 143 inmates from other operating prisons and penal farms (OPFPF).
The 371 inmates have been freed through the following modes: 31 were acquitted, 240 completed maximum sentences served in jail, 98 individuals received parole, and two were on probation.
“Ang purpose ng correctional talaga ay kapag ang tao ay nagkaroon ng kaso, nilitis, at nasentensiyahan, dapat naroon ang lipunan upang bigyan sila ng pagkakataon na makabangon muli,” Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said in his speech during the culminating activity for PDLs.
“Sinasadya ng batas ay ang bawat nagkaroon ng utang sa lipunan ay dapat bigyan din siya ng pagkakataong maiyaos ang sarili at mabigyan din ng pagkakataong matuto ng bagong mga skills para kapag bumalik na sa lipunan ay makabalik ng maayos na hindi humihingi ng limos o istambay kundi marangal na makapag hanapbuhay,” he added.
Remulla said they are aiming to release more prisoners in the following months.
Aside from the release order, PDLs were given a grooming kit, financial assistance, medical clearance, and transportation allowance.
In an ambush interview with media reporters, Remulla clarified that the prisoners released were different from the list they recommended to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Earlier, the DOJ announced that it will send over 300 names to Malacañang for the President's executive clemency grant.
The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) during Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, Sept. 12, said that the executive clemency will benefit "dying and sick elderly" inmates aged 70 to 100 years old and those who served in prison for a long period.
