Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is advancing plans to construct 13 additional regional prisons, including two facilities specifically for inmates convicted of heinous crimes. This announcement was made by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang during the 2nd Jail Decongestion Summit at the Manila Hotel.
According to Philippines News Agency, Catapang emphasized that establishing these additional facilities will contribute to a more equitable and effective correctional system. This initiative aligns with Republic Act 10575, known as the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, and Republic Act 11928, or the Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes Act. RA 10575 calls for the establishment of Regional Prison Facilities to reduce reliance on mega-prisons, while RA 11928 mandates separate facilities for heinous crimes across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The aim of this initiative is to improve access to correctional services, alleviate overcrowding, and strengthen the country's correctional system by decentralizing operations. During his presentation at the summit, BuCor Acting Director, Directorate for Engineering Services Al Cir Juan Ra±osa, noted that the agency currently operates in only five out of the 18 regions in the Philippines.
The existing facilities are located in the National Capital Region, Region 4-B (Mimaropa), Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), and Region 11 (Davao Region). Catapang stressed the urgent need to establish a presence in underserved areas such as the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), and several other regions across the country.
BuCor has already commenced the establishment of a Super Maximum Facility in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, intended for the Luzon area. However, no such facilities have been established in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, necessitating continued site identification and resource allocation.
Catapang stated that the expansion is designed to align the country's correctional system with international standards and improve rehabilitation outcomes. He concluded by emphasizing the urgency of taking proactive measures to bridge existing gaps for a just and rehabilitative correctional system to flourish.
