By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo
As dawn broke on June 12th, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. This Independence Day, the Philippines marked not just the nation’s liberation from colonial rule, but a more intimate and profound freedom for 126 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). These individuals, newly freed, carried with them the weight of their pasts, the hope of their futures, and a charge from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to serve as beacons of transformation for those still ensnared by the penal system.
“You overcame the challenges and obstacles to become the better person you are today,” Remulla exhorted, his words resonating with a promise of redemption and a call to action. This poignant moment was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a testament to the enduring belief in second chances and the transformative power of justice tempered with mercy.
Remulla’s recognition of the tireless efforts of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. was equally significant. Catapang’s dedication has been pivotal in reshaping a corrections system often criticized for its harsh conditions and high recidivism rates. His leadership has brought a glimmer of hope to many, highlighting that effective correctional administration goes beyond mere confinement; it encompasses rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The release of these 126 individuals is a microcosm of a broader movement that deserves not just applause but emulation. Studies have consistently shown that reintegrating reformed individuals into society is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic approach to reducing crime and enhancing public safety. For instance, research from the Rand Corporation, a global policy think tank that conducts research and analysis to help improve policy and decision-making through objective and evidence-based insights, found that education and vocational training programs for inmates significantly reduce recidivism rates. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Criminology reported that reentry programs emphasizing job readiness and life skills training lead to more stable post-release employment and lower rates of reoffending.
International experiences further bolster the case for a rehabilitative approach. Norway, often cited for its humane prison system, focuses on restorative justice, where the incarceration environment mirrors normal life as much as possible. This model has led to one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. In Germany, the prison system emphasizes dignity and rehabilitation, with similar positive outcomes. These examples illustrate that when the justice system invests in the potential for human growth, society reaps the benefits.
Yet, while celebrating these strides, we must also confront the stark reality that thousands remain behind bars, many languishing without adequate legal representation or support. The DOJ’s initiative to provide free legal services through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Ateneo Legal Services Center (ALSC) during this year’s Independence Day is a commendable step toward addressing this issue. Legal aid caravans reaching facilities such as the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City and the various penal farms across the country represent a lifeline to those who might otherwise be lost in a sea of bureaucracy and neglect.
However, more needs to be done. It is imperative to institutionalize these legal services, ensuring that every person deprived of liberty has access to adequate legal representation and support from the moment they enter the system until they are fully reintegrated into society. This requires sustained funding, public-private partnerships, and the political will to prioritize human dignity over punitive expediency.
Furthermore, we must expand rehabilitation programs within prisons. This means more educational opportunities, vocational training, psychological counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Such programs should not be seen as luxuries but as essential components of a humane and effective correctional system. Inmates should leave prison not only having paid their debt to society but also equipped to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
The stories of the 126 freed individuals should serve as a clarion call to the transformative power of redemption. Their journeys are not just personal victories but also societal triumphs. They remind us that our justice system, when infused with compassion and a commitment to rehabilitation, can forge paths to hope and renewal.
In light of these reflections, I recommend a comprehensive overhaul of our penal policies to align with best practices observed internationally. This includes:
1. Legal Aid and Advocacy: Institutionalize and expand free legal programs to ensure continuous and equitable access to justice for all inmates. This can be achieved through partnerships with universities, NGOs, and international bodies dedicated to human rights and legal reforms.
2. Enhanced Rehabilitation Programs: Implement comprehensive educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs within all correctional facilities. This should include access to higher education, skilled trades training, and mental health services, following models proven effective in reducing recidivism.
3. Restorative Justice Practices: Shift the focus from punitive measures to restorative justice, encouraging reconciliation between offenders and victims, and emphasizing community service and reintegration efforts.
4. Post-Release Support: Develop robust reentry programs that provide ongoing support to former inmates, including housing assistance, job placement services, and continuous counseling. Successful reintegration requires a network of support that extends beyond the prison walls.
5. Policy Reforms and Oversight: Advocate for legislative reforms that promote humane treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration for non-violent offenses. Establish independent oversight bodies to ensure accountability and transparency within the correctional system.
The release of these 126 individuals on Independence Day is a powerful reminder of the potential for change and the importance of second chances. As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from their stories and commit to creating a justice system that values redemption and supports the transformation of all individuals. In doing so, we not only uplift those who have fallen but also strengthen the fabric of our society.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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