Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. welcomed a delegation of U.S. Congressional staff, in partnership with representatives from the United Nations Foundation (UNF), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) who made an important visit to New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City Tuesday afternoon.
This visit, Catapang said highlighted ongoing efforts by the BuCor in collaboration with international partners to address critical issues within the Philippine corrections system. It also served as an opportunity to explore avenues for future partnerships aimed at improving conditions for persons deprived of liberty.
The Bucor, according to Catapang is open to foreign delegates who wish to visit the agency’s corrections facilities as engagement like this opens doors for shared knowledge, resources, and best practices that can significantly impact prison reform initiatives.
“Strengthened international partnerships will be vital as the Philippines and global stakeholders continue to work toward addressing complex issues within the justice sector”, Catapang said.
One of the pressing issues tackled during the discussions was custodial deaths. The UNODC has been actively working with BuCor to address this unfortunate reality by establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG). This group aims to create a unified approach among various agencies managing detention facilities. Efforts include mandating autopsies and developing an interagency health policy to extend health insurance coverage to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). A memorandum of agreement was signed in July 2024 to establish a forensic flow system for investigating custodial deaths—a significant step forward in accountability.
Additionally, the delegation learned about the newly developed Violent Extremist Offender (VEO) Risk Assessment Tool. Institutionalized in October 2023, this tool aims to classify and manage violent extremist offenders efficiently, aligning with the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP.CVE). The commitment to addressing these critical challenges not only demonstrates BuCor’s openness to reform but also highlights the vital support from international bodies.
Reducing congestion in prisons was also discussed. The team emphasized initiatives such as compassionate release, eliminating unnecessary overstay, and minimizing inter-agency red tape. These actions aim to alleviate overcrowding, one of the most significant issues plaguing the prison system and contributing to deteriorating living conditions.
The delegation’s visit included a tour of various facilities within New Bilibid Prison, such as the hospital, the main kitchen, and Building 9, which houses PDL dormitories where they interact with both prison officers and inmates—albeit in a controlled setting. This direct engagement offered invaluable first-hand insight into the living conditions and ongoing activities at the prison. It also provided an opportunity to identify recent improvements, as well as the challenges that still linger within the facility.
