QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- A total of 416 inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released on Monday, Feb. 20, by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) after serving their sentences or were acquitted of their charges.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla led the ceremony together with Public Attorney's Office head, Atty. Percida Acosta, for giving their certificates of release.

"Sa tingin ko naman ang pagpapalaya ng mga tao na nagbayad na sa lipunan ay isang mabuting gawain,” saad ni Remulla. “Ito po ay hindi ko titigilan hangga’t ako po ay secretary of justice (I think the release of people who have already paid to society is a good thing," said Remulla. "I will not stop this as long as I am secretary of justice)," he added.

To ease the prison, Remulla said that monthly they will release PDLs who should be released after their cases and conditions are reviewed.

Among those released are 78 PDLs who have been acquitted, 81 who have been granted parole, and eight who have qualified for probation. The other PDLs released are those who have already served their sentence and qualify based on merit under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA). (PIA-NCR)