TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the provincial government of Southern Leyte have formalized an agreement to build a regional prison facility (RPF) in the province, marking a major step in the national government’s efforts to modernize the correctional system and ease congestion in existing penal institutions.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on November 28, paving the way for the construction of the new penitentiary on a 2,800-hectare property in Silago.
Catapang said the initiative supports Republic Act 10575, or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, which mandates BuCor to upgrade correctional facilities and strengthen programs for the safe custody, reformation, and rehabilitation of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). The development of regional prison facilities, he added, is central to this modernization push.

Under the agreement, BuCor will take charge of planning, designing, and coordinating technical aspects of the project, while the provincial government will assist in securing local permits, providing logistical support, and liaising with communities during implementation.
Silago was chosen due to its expansive land area and its strategic location in Eastern Visayas—about 165 kilometers from Abuyog town in Leyte, where the Leyte Regional Prison is currently situated.

Catapang also noted the long-term potential of the facility to serve beyond its corrections mandate, envisioning the area as a future special economic zone given its access to major seaports and airports.

“The proposed RPF can evolve into a special economic zone because of Silago’s strategic advantages. This opens opportunities for agro-industrial and eco-tourism development, which can support livelihood programs for PDLs and stimulate the local economy,” he said.
Governor Mercado welcomed the partnership, emphasizing its potential benefits both for prison decongestion efforts and the province’s development goals.

“The people of Southern Leyte welcome this initiative with optimism. We are committed to working closely with BuCor to ensure the project is implemented responsibly and sustainably,” he said.

Details on the project’s budget, construction schedule, capacity, and timeline have yet to be finalized.

The planned RPF in Silago forms part of BuCor’s broader effort to decentralize correctional services and relocate PDLs across various regions, reducing dependence on overcrowded national facilities such as the New Bilibid Prison.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY — A public school teacher assigned to Dolores Elementary School was arrested in Ormoc City on December 2, 2025, after being accused of sexual assault, rape, and acts of lasciviousness.

The arrest was carried out by Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) in a coordinated operation in Barangay Luna.

The 44-year-old suspect, a resident of Barangay Cogon and ranked the region’s 6th most wanted person, was apprehended under a warrant issued on November 21, 2025. The rape charge carries no bail, while bail for sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness was set at P108,000 each.

The operation involved the Ormoc City Police Office–Police Station 5 (OCPO-PS5), the Ormoc City Intelligence Unit (CIU), and the Regional Special Operations Unit 8 (RSOU-8).
PB/Gen.Jason Capoy, PRO-8 regional director, lauded the officers for their dedication. “This accomplishment reflects our continuous effort to bring wanted persons to justice and maintain peace and order in the region,” he said.

The teacher remains in police custody and will be turned over to the issuing court for further proceedings.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

BORONGAN CITY– Access to justice remains a challenge for many Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), especially those who lack the resources or knowledge to move their cases forward.

To help bridge this gap, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Eastern Samar Chapter lately launched a Legal Aid Jail Decongestion and PDL Welfare Program at the BJMP Borongan City District Jail.

With guidance from BJMP Region 8, Regional Director JSSupt. Rill Sonon, the initiative created an important space for PDLs to share their experiences, seek legal guidance, and gain a clearer understanding of their rights.

The team, led by lawyer Pergentino Deri-on, chapter president, provided free, one-on-one legal consultations to PDLs—support that is especially crucial for individuals navigating the justice system with limited means.

Sixty-four PDLs received legal advice, helping them clarify next steps in their cases and empowering them to work toward a fair resolution.

Atty. Deri-on said the activity also aims to give PDLs hope and promote speedy justice. He encouraged them to never lose hope and to continue cooperating with their legal processes, reminding them that support and guidance are available every step of the way.
Aside from legal assistance, the initiative highlighted important advocacy on the protection of PDL privacy. Lawyer Richard Banaldia, IBP member and chief of the Community Relations Service (CRS) of BJMP Region 8, explained the strict prohibition of recording devices inside jail facilities.

“This policy exists because we are protecting our PDLs. If their photos are posted online, anyone can use them in ways that may place PDLs at risk,” Banaldia said.

His message emphasized that safeguarding PDL dignity is a vital part of rehabilitation and reintegration—key goals in BJMP’s broader developmental mission.

The IBP Eastern Samar Chapter expressed gratitude to its volunteers whose commitment to public service strengthens justice access and promotes humane treatment for all sectors, including those behind bars.

Through efforts like this, both IBP and BJMP continue to advance a shared goal: ensuring that access to justice, human rights, and dignity remain central to community development.

(VTG/PIA Eastern Samar)