THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) successfully concluded the “Freedom Through Games: Indoor Tournament 2026” with a formal closing and awarding ceremony at the New Bilibid Prison-Minimum Security Camp (NBP-MinSeCamp) on August 28, 2026.
Organized by the camp’s Sports and Recreation Section (SARS), the two-month tournament ran from July through August, bringing together persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to compete in various indoor events, including chess, dama, darts, table tennis, badminton, and Scrabble.
Beyond athletic competition, the initiative aimed to foster discipline, mental focus, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among participants as part of BuCor’s broader inmate rehabilitation strategy.
NBP-MinSeCamp Camp Commander C/CINSP Roy S. Vivo and Deputy Camp Commander C/SINSP Archangel Marvyn A. Lazo led the ceremony. During his address, C/CINSP Vivo emphasized the cognitive and emotional benefits of sports participation, noting that sports sharpen the mind, improve mental resilience, and build confidence essential for personal transformation.
CTSO2 Melvin I. Deang, Chief of SARS, praised the participants for their active involvement and fair play, encouraging the PDL population to continue engaging in future constructive recreational activities.
A central highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to top-performing dormitories and individual athletes.
Dorm JPV-C claimed the Overall Team Championship title, while Dorm MB-B and Dorm MB-B Annex secured 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up honors, respectively.
Individual and doubles champions across all sports categories received certificates of recognition, medals, and grocery packages.
The camp administration also presented certificates of appreciation and grocery items to PDL Sports Coordinators who assisted in organizing the multi-event competition.
Assistant SARS Chief CTO1 Rogie S. Salimo formally closed the ceremony by praising the athletes’ dedication.
Operating under the guidance of BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and NBP Superintendent C/SSUPT Gary A. Garcia, NBP-MinSeCamp officials reiterated their commitment to providing holistic, sports-based development programs aimed at fostering discipline, unity, and hope within the prison community.
