‘e-Undas’ allows PDL to connect with loved ones, honor departed kin

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) on Friday gave persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City an opportunity to speak with loved ones in honoring their dearly departed through “e-Undas”.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang said the initiative, which facilitates supervised video calls for PDLs, underscores the importance of family ties even in challenging circumstances.

“We want to make sure that despite physical confinement, PDLs can still stay connected with their families during meaningful occasions,” he added in a statement.

On Saturday, Catapang and other BuCor officials will lead a special Mass at the mass grave within the NBP Cemetery.

This gesture not only honors the memory of those who have passed away but also symbolizes a shared sense of community and faith among the incarcerated individuals.

The Marcos administration has already introduced several reforms in the justice sector.

These reforms range from efforts to decongest jails and prisons, the proper implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance law and rules on plea bargaining that have benefited thousands of inmates, making sure they remain incarcerated no longer than what is required by law.

The private sector has also contributed to the improvement of prison conditions, which includes the donation by the San Miguel Corp. of PHP150 million in food and equipment and the setting up of skills training centers at the BuCor and Correctional Institute for Women for PDLs who are about to be released.