Leyte: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Wednesday said 31 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) got closer to freedom after undergoing a pre-parole interview by the Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Regional Office in Eastern Visayas. In a statement, the BuCor said the evaluation focused on the inmates’ conduct, rehabilitation progress, and readiness to rejoin society.

According to Philippines News Agency, officials also weigh the qualification for the PDL’s release by ensuring they meet all legal and behavioral requirements before parole is granted. The BuCor said the initiative is part of the government’s push to decongest prisons and help reformed individuals transition back into their communities.

Meanwhile, a total of 525 PDLs were released by the BuCor for the month of January, including the 50 who attended the culminating event held Wednesday morning at the Grotto of Our Lady of Rosary inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation in Muntinlupa City. This brings to 18,947 the total number of PDLs released under the Marcos administration.

Among those released were 27 from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City; one from CIW Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; eight from CIW Mindanao; 71 from Davao Prison and Penal Farm; 52 from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; 27 from Leyte Regional Prison; 73 from the Maximum Security Camp of New Bilibid Prison (NBP); 82 from the Medium Security Camp of NBP; 81 from the Minimum Security Camp of NBP; three from the Reception and Diagnostic Center of NBP; 66 from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm; and 34 from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.