Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. led a solemn commemoration for deceased persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Cemetery in Muntinlupa City on Saturday, October 31, 2026, emphasizing the importance of upholding human dignity even after death.

Catapang attended a Holy Mass dedicated to departed PDLs as part of the bureau’s observance of Undas 2026, ahead of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In his message, the BuCor chief stressed that individuals who died while under the custody of the corrections system remain deserving of prayers, respect, and compassion, regardless of their past circumstances.

He emphasized the importance of remembering deceased PDLs through acts of faith and offering prayers for the eternal repose of their souls.

Following the Mass, Catapang led solemn rites of remembrance, including the offering of flowers, blessing of graves with holy water, and lighting of candles in honor of those who had passed away.

The BuCor chief also expressed his commitment to improving facilities at the NBP Cemetery, particularly its church, to provide a more suitable and dignified venue for religious services, prayer, and remembrance.

According to BuCor, the activity reflected the agency’s continuing commitment to humane corrections and the promotion of respect, compassion, and dignity for all individuals, including those who died while serving their sentences.

The bureau emphasized that the observance serves as a reminder that every individual deserves dignity and that deceased PDLs should not be forgotten.

The commemoration formed part of BuCor’s efforts to foster a culture of humanity and respect within the country’s correctional institutions.