BuCor relocates over 15,000 inmates as Bilibid closure nears

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said it has transferred 15,730 persons inmates from the New Bilibid Prison to other prison facilities nationwide since 2022 as part of preparations for the prison’s planned closure by 2028.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said the transfers included 100 inmates who were moved on Monday to the Leyte Regional Prison.

The bureau said the inmate transfers are linked to plans to close the New Bilibid Prison and redevelop the 375.61-hectare property in Muntinlupa City.

Mr. Catapang said BuCor recently held a summit to discuss possible uses for the prison site after its closure.

According to BuCor, about 160 hectares of the property have been identified for commercial leasing arrangements, while another 106 hectares may be developed through public-private partnership or joint venture agreements.

According to BuCor, ownership of the property will remain with the government, and no assets will be sold under the redevelopment plan.

Lease rates for the commercial area are projected at P65 to P100 per square meter a month, inclusive of value-added tax, according to BuCor.

Based on these rates, annual revenue from the 160-hectare commercial portion could reach between P1.25 billion and P1.92 billion, the bureau said. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez