Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) launched a revolutionary new program for reintegrating released persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) back into society. The Blue and Red Ribbon project is a reintegration awareness initiative to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen after-care support for released persons deprived of liberty.

According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. stated that the project has its roots in Singapore’s yellow ribbon movement, which emphasizes hope, acceptance, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance in life. The initiative underscores a strong commitment to after-care support, which is critical for ensuring that released individuals can transition smoothly back into society.

To facilitate this process, the BuCor plans to establish halfway houses across all operating prisons and penal farms nationwide. These facilities will serve not only as transitional residences but also as secure holding areas for individuals awaiting release and final settlement arrangements.

Meanwhile, the BuCor released 736 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from its prisons and facilities from July 4 to 30, bringing the total number of released PDLs to 25,304 under the Marcos administration. The released PDLs were from various facilities including the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong, CIW-Mindanao, Davao Prison and Penal Farm, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Leyte Regional Prison, New Bilibid Prison (NBP), NBP-Maximum, NBP-Medium, NBP-Minimum, NBP-Reception and Diagnostic Center, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.