450 NBP, Correctional inmates arrive in Palawan for Iwahig transfer

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Some 450 inmates from New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City and Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City arrived here late Sunday evening for their transfer to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF).

The group, consisting of 400 male and 50 female persons deprived of liberty (PDL), arrived at the city port on board a commercial vessel, accompanied by correctional officers.

IPPF spokesperson Levi Evengelista told reporters on Monday that upon their arrival here, they immediately boarded buses and were whisked away to their new home.

The PDLs also underwent a thorough physical examination. Pregnancy tests were included for female inmates.

"They're the second batch to be transferred since June to ease overcrowding in the NBP and CIW, and the plan to convert them into commercial hubs by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)," Evangelista said.

Of the total inmates, four male PDL were transferred to the maximum security compound at the central sub-colony of Iwahig, while the female inmates were brought to the women’s detention facility in Barangay Sta. Lucia.

Some of the relocated PDL are Palawan natives and wanted to be close to their families.

"They requested to be transferred here because their families are from Palawan. It will be easy now for their families to visit them," he added.

An initial group of of 450 males and 50 females was relocated to Iwahig in June.

To date, some 1,500 PDL have already been transferred from detention facilities in the National Capital Region as part of ongoing decongestion efforts.

Some were transferred to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo, Davao del Norte. (PNA)