MANILA — The Bureau of Corrections has released 850 PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) from penal institutions across the country in July and August as part of the agency’s continuing efforts to decongest detention facilities in the country, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said Tuesday.

On Friday, the BuCor released a total of 81 PDLs nationwide, the official said.

“Ang mga PDL ay pinalaya matapos makumpleto ang kanilang sentensiya, makakuha ng pardon o parole at mag-avail ng [Good Conduct Time Allowance] benefits,” Gutierrez said in a televised briefing.

(The PDLs who were released had completed their sentences, secured pardons or paroles, or availed of GCTA benefits)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the BuCor’s efforts to address the longstanding problem of decongestion in Philippine jails, Gutierrez said.

Citing Remulla, she added that congestion in the penal facilities in the country.

“Nangako ang kalihim na mas marami pang mga inmates ang palalayain bago matapos ang taon alinsunod sa hakbang ng pamahalaan na paluwagin ang mga piitan at itaas ang kalidad ng serbisyo ng mga penal institution,” she said.

(The secretary has promised that more inmates will be released within the year as part of the government's efforts to decongest prisons and raise the level of service at penal institutions)

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