THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday said it has transferred 200 more inmates from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro as part of its continuing decongestion of the national penitentiary.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said some 100 correction and police officers secured the latest transfer of inmates from the national penitentiary.
“The transfer is part of the continued decongestion program of NBP and preparation for its closure by year 2028, and to support the agricultural manpower of Sablayan for institutional projects,” Catapang said, adding the inmates “arrived safely at the SPPF Friday night.”
The latest transferees brought to more than 10,000 the total number of Bilibid inmates transferred to various operating prison and penal farms (OPPFs) since 2022.
Catapang has said the BuCor’s budget for this year amounting to more than P9.2 billion has a provision in the amount of P288 million for the transfer of Bilibid inmates to various OPPFs.
In November last year, the agency said it would need around P211 billion to construct 17 regional prison facilities and three specialized detention institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to decongest the national penitentiary.
In another development, Catapang directed BuCor officials, especially those in charge of its OPPFs, to ensure the safety and welfare of inmates with the onset of the rainy season.
Catapang’s directive includes essential tasks such as inspection and repair of roofs, clearing of gutters and drainage systems, trimming trees, and ensuring the readiness of emergency power supplies.
“By adhering to these preventative strategies, we at BuCor seeks to minimize risks associated with heavy rainfall, thereby safeguarding both inmates and staff alike,” he said.
Aside from the NBP and SPPF, BuCor also operates the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, and the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte.
