Manila, Jan. 2 -- Major infrastructure upgrades to the country's correctional system are expected to start in 2026, including the planned construction of a "Supermax" facility in Occidental Mindoro for persons convicted of heinous crimes.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said Congress has allocated PHP1.5 billion for the project in 2026, followed by PHP2 billion in 2027 and PHP2.5 billion in 2028, for a total of PHP6 billion.

Catapang said the goal is to ensure strict punishment and prevent high-risk inmates from coordinating or planning criminal activities while incarcerated.

"Ang gusto nila ay talagang maparusahan talaga iyong mga taong nagkasala at masigurado na hindi sila gumalaw pa o mag-isi...