The New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City recently hosted a high-level delegation of US Congressional staffers and United Nations officials, signaling renewed international interest in Philippine prison reforms.
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. highlighted ongoing efforts to address issues such as overcrowding, health care, and custodial deaths.
Key discussions included the implementation of a forensic flow system for autopsies and investigations into custodial deaths, as well as the use of a Violent Extremist Offender Risk Assessment Tool to manage high-risk inmates.
The delegation also toured various prison facilities and emphasized the need to improve compassionate release programs and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Catapang expressed optimism that these reforms, supported by international partnerships, can be expanded nationwide.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 23, 2025
