BuCor transfers 450 PDLs to Iwahig

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) transferred 450 persons deprived of liberties (PDL) to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Saturday as part of its continuing effort to decongest penal facilities.

Bucor said 396 of the transferred PDLS are from the medium security compound, four from the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa, and 50 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said they have now transferred more than 1,500 PDL for the decongestion of penal facilities. 

These include other PDLs transferred to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.

Catapang also said that the move is also part of BuCor's preparation for the closure of NBP and CIW by 2028 which will be converted into a commercial hub called BuCor Global City and government center.

“We really need to close NBP since it is no longer practical for us to stay here where high-end residential subdivisions are now located and the residents around the area are apprehensive and fear for their safety should a prisoner escape,” Catapang added.

Apart from decongestion, Catapang also said that BuCor is also implementing “Oplan Lipatan” to isolate PDL with nefarious activities. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News