The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced on Monday that 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released between November and December.
Among those released, 625 had completed their maximum sentences, 134 were acquitted, 190 were granted parole, 38 were placed on probation, 11 were released through habeas corpus, one was turned over to jail custody, and another was released following a court-approved motion.
The released inmates came from various facilities, including 402 from the New Bilibid Prison, 77 from the Correctional Institution for Women, 170 from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 111 from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 69 from the Leyte Regional Prison, 68 from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, and 101 from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.
Since Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla took office, the total number of PDLs released has reached 18,422, according to BuCor.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. also revealed that PDLs convicted of heinous crimes who qualify for the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law may be released next year. This follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that individuals convicted of heinous crimes are eligible for the law, which reduces prison terms based on good behavior.
Catapang assured that multiple heinous crime offenders will undergo additional psychological assessments before their release to ensure public safety.
