Exactly 361 prisoners are going to have a very merry Christmas with their families; they have just regained their freedom.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and other prison officials led the ceremonies for the release of 361 persons deprive of liberty (PDLs) under the “Paskong Kay Saya ang Pagbabalik sa Pamilya” program of the BuCor, held at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.
The inmates were set free pursuant to the government’s program to decongest all BuCor’s correction facilities nationwide.
Those coming home for Christmas included convicts 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.
Thirty-three elderly PDLs were released due to old age.
Remulla has implemented 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 Marcos Jr.
On November 24, a total of 234 others was released, followed by another batch of 357 last October 26.
The DOJ chief said he hopes that a monthly average of 700 to 800 prisoners would also be eventually released in the very near future.
The DOJ secretary said he is in constant communication with Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta on what other measures could 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.