MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said 1,180 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) were released from March 29 to May 12, bringing the total number of released inmates to 3,666 during the first five months of 2026.

The agency also said a total of 31,619 PDLs have been released under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

During a ceremonial event at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the bureau aims to release at least 10,000 qualified PDLs annually over the remaining two years of the current administration.

Catapang said he had spoken with Board of Pardons and Parole Chairman Sergio Calizo Jr. regarding the modernization of the review process for inmates who have already served their minimum sentences.

He said BuCor plans to install a server at the Board of Pardons and Parole to allow immediate access to inmate case folders or “carpeta,” which contain records needed to determine sentence management and eligibility for release.

The bureau said the system aims to speed up case reviews and facilitate the timely release of qualified inmates.

Catapang also highlighted the agency’s faith-based rehabilitation initiatives, which he described as an important part of restorative rehabilitation inside correctional facilities.

He said spiritual programs help reduce violence among inmates and support rehabilitation efforts.

“If there is no forever, at least there is a second chance to return to society, reunite with family, and contribute to the government,” Catapang said.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida also encouraged released PDLs to focus on rebuilding their lives and maintaining hope after serving their sentences.

“What man cannot do, the Lord can do. Always keep the faith,” Vida said.

He added that resilience comes from continuing to rise despite failures and challenges.

Also present during the event were Justice Assistant Secretary Francis John Trajano, Regional Officer-in-Charge of Parole and Pardon Administration Atty. Janette Padua, Public Attorney’s Office representatives Atty. Nazario Bacorro Jr. and Atty. Demetrio Yu, and DOLE-NCR MUNTAPARLAS Field Office OIC-Director Jeremiah Carlos.