More than 1,000 inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) have been infected with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The recent data of the BJMP has shown that the total COVID-19 cases in the Bureau is 1,151, only 175 are active while 918 inmates who tested positive have recovered.
The BJMP admits that implementing physical distancing in jails is a challenge due to congestion.
BJMP Spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Xavier Solda has pointed out that the Bureau’s coordination with the Supreme Court particularly the Office of the Court Administrator has greatly helped in slightly decongesting prison cells and ensuring the progress of the inmates’ cases amidst the pandemic.
More than 28,000 inmates have been released from the facilities of the BJMP since the pandemic broke out in March. Over 1,500 of the released persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are considered as vulnerable, 560 are elderly, more than 900 are sick PDLs while 32 are pregnant.
Aside from the release of inmates, the BJMP is also building additional jail facilities to address the congestion in jails.
Report from Kenneth Paciente
