The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) today lent significance to the celebration of the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

This as DOJ Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez and BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang, Jr. led the ceremony for the release of 126 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and the conduct of free legal aid at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Themed as "Mga Repormasyong Binigay, Natutuna’y Kaalaman Tungo sa Pagbabagong Buhay," the activity aims to honor the resilience and reformation of PDLs in the face of adversity in preparation for their reintegration into society.

This event also seeks to serve as a constant reminder to other PDLs that there is a second shot at life after positive transformation of oneself.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla lauded Catapang for this very timely initiative to join the nation’s observance of the Philippine Independence through significant projects that will be highly beneficial to society.

“My sincerest appreciation to the hard work and dedication of Director Catapang for always making a positive impact to our Corrections System,” the Secretary said.

Remulla advised the released PDLs, “You overcame the challenges and obstacles to become the better person you are today, may you continue to let your light shine as you embrace life outside prison to serve as an inspiration for the positive transformation of others.”

Meanwhile, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), in partnership with the Ateneo Legal Services Center (ALSC), extended free legal services to PDLs at the NBP.

Simultaenous with the celebration of the 126th Philippine Independece, a Legal Aid Caravan was held in the various Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs) nationwide:  San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF), Iwahig PPF, Sablayan PPF, Davao PPF, Leyte Regional Prison Farm (LRPF), and the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.

Lawyers from PAO were deployed in the different prison farms to extend free legal services to the PDLs which included legal advice/consultation, legal representation and referral to PAO offices.

Secretary Remulla acknowledged the efforts of the PAO lawyers as well as the private partners for their unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice and to protecting the rights and welfare of the Filipino people especially the disadvantaged.

The free legal aid is part of the Katarungan Caravan which kicked-off on 03 June 2024 in Marawi City under the supervision of Undersecretary Gutierrez.