BuCor transfers 15,730 inmates ahead of Bilibid closure

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June 11, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has transferred 15,730 inmates from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa to various penal facilities nationwide since 2022 as part of preparations for the NBP’s planned closure in 2028.

BuCor Director Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said 100 inmates were moved to the Leyte Regional Prison on Monday.

Catapang said the inmate transfers form part of the BuCor’s plan to gradually decongest Bilibid and pave the way for the redevelopment of the sprawling prison reservation in Muntinlupa City.

Catapang acknowledged that the planned closure of the NBP presents major operational challenges, but also offers opportunities for the modernization of the corrections system.

To support the transition, BuCor recently conducted a marketing summit to discuss potential uses of the prison property and strategies for generating revenue from its assets.

The NBP compound covers 375.61 hectares, of which 160 hectares have been identified for commercial leasing while another 106 hectares are being considered for joint venture projects.

Catapang said the initiative is expected to provide stable and sustainable funding for BuCor’s development and modernization programs.

He clarified that the government will retain ownership of all NBP properties and that no land will be sold.

Under the proposed plan, lease rates are projected to range from P65 to P100 per square meter per month, inclusive of value-added tax.

Based on these rates, BuCor estimates that annual revenues from the 160-hectare commercial area alone could reach between P1.25 billion and P1.92 billion.