The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has transferred over 300 inmates from New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, as part of an ongoing strategy to effectively consolidate and manage drug-related convicts in a designated “supermax” facility.
The transfer took place on a Wednesday night. Security measures surrounded the operation to ensure a secure relocation of prisoners. The initiative aims to reduce overcrowding in the New Bilibid Prison, which has been facing severe congestion for years. Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm has been deemed a more suitable location for these inmates given its capacity and infrastructure.
The plan to transfer prisoners involved in drug offenses to a single facility has been in the pipeline to address several challenges associated with housing high-risk convicts. The centralization of inmates allows for better resource allocation in terms of security, rehabilitation, and management.
The New Bilibid Prison has long been plagued with issues of overcrowding, which have, in turn, led to various operational challenges. The transfer of these inmates is part of broader reform efforts by BuCor to improve conditions within the country’s prison system.
Officials from the Bureau of Corrections noted that this move is only the beginning. Plans have already been laid out to eventually transfer more inmates involved in drug-related offenses to the Sablayan facility. The ultimate goal is to create a controlled environment where security measures can be concentrated, and rehabilitation programs can be more effectively administered.
The Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, located in Occidental Mindoro, is considered one of the country’s larger penal facilities. It boasts the infrastructure necessary to house high-profile convicts, making it an ideal choice for this strategic move. The facility’s remote location also adds an additional layer of security, which is crucial for housing those involved in severe crimes such as drug offenses.
Inmates who have been transferred are expected to undergo various programs aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. These programs are designed to address the root causes of their involvement in criminal activities, with a focus on reducing recidivism rates.
Human rights groups have been closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the rights of the inmates are upheld during the transfer process. There have been calls for transparency in handling these cases, particularly concerning the living conditions at the Sablayan facility.
The Bureau of Corrections has assured the public that all measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of both the inmates and the staff involved in this transition. The efforts are aligned with the government’s broader strategy to reform the criminal justice system and enhance the management of correctional facilities across the Philippines.