Remulla: Bucor frees 300 more PDLS anew in bid to decongest prison facilities

MORE than 300 persons deprived of liberty (PDLS) were released on Monday as part of the government’s bid to decongest various prison facilities in the country under the Bureau of Corrections (Bucor).

The ceremonies for the release of 361 PDLS under the so-called “Paskong Kay Saya ang Pagbabalik sa Pamilya” program of the Bucor that was held at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa and led by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and prison officials.

Among those who were released are PDLS who have been acquitted of the charges against them, those granted probation, allowed to post cash bond, given parole, returnees and those whose maximum sentences have already expired.

On the other hand, 33 PDLS were released due to old age.

Remulla has led a series of releases of PDLS since he assumed his post as chief of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which has direct supervision over the Bucor.

Last September, the DOJ and the Bucor processed the release of 371 PDLS in time for the birthday celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

On November 24, a total of 234 PDLS were released, which was followed by the release of 357 PDLS last October 26.

Remulla said he is hoping that the release of PDLS would average from 700 to 800 a month in the coming months.

The DOJ chief said he is in constant communication with Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta on what other measures can be taken to further reduce the number of PDLS.

“Actually, there are a lot of people who are not supposed to be in jail and they are being given pardon just to shorten the process [for their release],” Remulla said.

Remulla said the DOJ and Bucor are eying the grant of clemency to at least 2,000 more PDLS within the first quarter of 2023.

Last September, the DOJ endorsed some 300 PDLS to the Office of the President for clemency.