125 elderly PDLs released from prison 

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Friday released more than 100 elder persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) and various operating prisons and penal farms. 

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s “24 Oras” report, the 125 PDLs were visibly excited for their release after they completed their respective sentences. 

Among them is Bert (not his real name), 76, who had been in jail for 25 years. He said his wife never had the chance to visit him due to the costly travel from Roxas City, Capiz to the NBP.

Bert had no family members to welcome him during his release but he said he was just excited to return to fishing. 

“Gustong gusto ko po yun. Bihira po akong nagkakasakit kasi nasa dagat ako,” he said. 

(I like fishing. I barely get sick when I am out in the sea.)

Seventy six year-old Dan (not his real name) was a former photographer who spent 24 years in prison. He said he can no longer return to photography due to his frail body but wants to look for other source of livelihood. 

“Mag-alaga ng baka o baboy dahil pwede ka namang kumuha ng katulong,” he added. 

(I can start raising hogs. I can also seek assistance for it.)

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. welcomed the PDLs’ release. 

“We want you to be back to society. We want you to be a fruitiful part of the society. Productive at di po kayo minaliit ng ating lipunan. We want you to be prepared for your second chance in life,” said Catapang.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News