BuCor to Establish Halfway Houses for Releasing Inmates

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The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has announced plans to establish halfway houses across the country, serving as temporary residences for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) awaiting release or whose settlement arrangements are not yet complete. This initiative, led by Corrections Director Gregorio Catapang Jr., aims to facilitate the reintegration of PDLs into society by providing necessary support and resources.

In a statement released on May 28, BuCor detailed the directive for all operating prisons and penal farms to develop these facilities. The halfway houses will not only provide secure accommodation for those nearing release but will also function as transitional environments where released PDLs can stay until their settlement arrangements are finalized.

“To facilitate the successful implementation of this initiative, Catapang ordered the concerned officers for the submission of detailed plans and designs for each halfway house, alongside clear budgetary requirements,” the statement said.

These halfway houses will offer a range of support programs, including counseling sessions, orientation activities, interviews, and short courses aimed at equipping PDLs with skills for post-incarceration life. This approach acknowledges that reintegration involves more than just release; it requires enabling individuals to face societal challenges effectively, as highlighted by Catapang.

In addition to planning and funding permanent structures, BuCor has also tasked prison officials with identifying temporary areas within existing facilities to house PDLs nearing release. This is part of a broader strategy to separate these individuals from the general prison population, ensuring they receive focused reintegration support tailored to their needs.

The development of halfway houses represents a significant step in the criminal justice system's approach to facilitating successful reentry into society, reinforcing the importance of rehabilitation and support for individuals transitioning out of the corrections system.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-05-28