Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima today announced the appointment of new BuCor Acting Director in the person of Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu, a veteran law enforcement official with 35 years in police and military service and academically qualified with degrees in business administration, law, business, military science and peace and security studies. Prior to his appointment as BuCor Acting Director, Mr. Bucayu holds the rank of Police chief Superintendent in the PNP and assigned as Regional Director, PRO-Region I.

"It is time to move forward with the major reforms in the premiere correctional institute of the country, the Bureau of Corrections," said Secretary De Lima. "The appointment of a former Chief of the PNP's Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) is a paradigm shift in the management of our prisons," she added.

Mr. Bucayu has a track record in security institutions and extensive experience spanning several disciplines. He previously lead a United Nations civilian police and peacekeeping operations in Cambodia, East Timor ad Somalia.

"I wish to thank BuCor Officer-in-Charge Rafael Marcos Z. Ragos for his stewardship the past several months. It has been a most challenging period to transform the way we handle our inmates for restorative justice to take root," said Secretary De Lima.

Mr. Bucayu, who replaces former Acting Director Gaudencio S. Pangilinan, Jr., is expected to formally assume his office at the soonest possible time.