SOJ Remulla orders BuCor to expedite transfer of high-profile PDLs

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday ordered the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to expedite the transfer of its high-profile drug personalities who are detained at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to regional facilities.

He issued the remark amid reports that the number one source of the drug trade is still inside the NBP.

"Speed up the planned transfer of illegal drug convicts to our regional prisons, you have our full support," Remulla was quoted as telling BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang in a statement.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with officials from the DOJ, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police on Tuesday.

The officials discussed strategies on how to strengthen their fight against illegal drugs.

Remulla, for his part, vowed to intensify the fight against illegal drugs without compromising human rights and the respect for the dignity of every individual.

“The DOJ pledges to continue stepping up its collaborative efforts with other government agencies to combat illegal drugs and keep our communities safe,” he said.

“Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that the DOJ is one with the present administration’s 'Bloodless Drug War' and we will always bring our A game in fighting the drug menace by steadfastly upholding the Rule of Law,” he added.

In 2023, BuCor admitted before the Senate that the NBP was not "drug-free," saying inmates have been using different ways to smuggle illegal drugs into the facility.

BuCor is seeking to transfer all PDLs out of the NBP. Catapang previously expressed hope that there will be no more PDLs in the facility by 2028. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News