Fulbright Scholar and Southern Illinois University Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director Dr. Raymund E. Narag delivered a lecture on risk assessment and the exercise of discretion in the Philippine criminal justice and correctional system before criminology students on June 22, 2026.
A leading Filipino criminologist and prison reform advocate, Dr. Narag presented findings from his research on correctional administration, prison overcrowding, bail reform, and criminal justice policies in the Philippines. He encouraged future criminologists to develop expertise in their profession while upholding ethical standards and safeguarding human rights.
Dr. Narag’s advocacy is deeply informed by personal experience. Wrongfully accused and detained, he spent 6 years, 9 months, and 4 days in incarceration before being acquitted. Following his release, he earned a Fulbright Scholarship and completed his master’s and doctorate degrees in Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.
He is also the author of “Behind Bars at New Bilibid Prison: A Call for Integrated Reform,” a landmark work on Philippine prison reform.
The lecture was conducted under UCโs Right2LIFE Project funded by VLIR-UOS, which promotes human rights education and social justice through academic engagement.
