300 PDLs transferred from NBP to Iwahig Prison

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Saturday announced the successful transfer of 300 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

BuCor said that the move was made in an effort to decongest the NBP for an anticipated closure in 2028.

"The transfer of PDLs to Iwahig acts as both a temporary solution for decongestion and a foundational step towards a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration where inmates can contribute positively to society even while serving their sentences,” said BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

Catapang added that the PDLs are set to play a vital role in supporting the agricultural initiatives at IPPF where the agricultural program is gaining momentum.

The BuCor chief previously said that they are looking to transfer over 30,000 PDLs in NBP to different regional prisons and penal farms in the country before the targeted closure of the prison by 2028. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News