New Bilibid Prison —Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 126 inmates were released from prison facilities on Wednesday as the country commemorated its 126th Independence Day, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said.
Of the inmates, or who the government also refers to as persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), 31 were acquitted, 72 had already served their maximum sentences, six were put on probation and 16 were granted parole. The PDLs came from various prison facilities across the country.
A simple ceremony was held at New Bilibid Prison to mark their release.
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Wednesday’s releases brought to 14,324 the number of PDLs freed under the Marcos administration.
For the remaining PDLs in the facilities, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said he hoped they would continue their reformation, “so when it’s time for their release from incarceration, they are ready to become useful members of society.”
“Not everybody was given a second chance, so when you are given this chance, you have to make sure that you’re worth it. Don’t waste it,” he noted.
Promotions
In the same ceremony, 95 BuCor personnel were promoted in recognition of their performance of their duties.
They include a corrections chief superintendent, four superintendents, three technical chief inspectors, five chief inspectors, a senior inspector, 10 corrections senior officers IV, 27 corrections officers II, and four nonuniformed personnel, the BuCor said.
Another 13 new nonuniformed personnel also took their oath of office.
“We thank you for restoring the good image of our institution. Rest assured that if you keep on the right track, we will not hesitate to promote you to the next higher rank. Do your job well, do it right, and you will be rewarded with promotion,” Catapang said.
But he warned those “who are stubborn and continue to be a liability to the agency, much so a disgrace to the institution” to “mend your ways and be true to your oath of office, for there is always a day of reckoning for you.”