The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has allowed “controlled dalaw (visit)” at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) starting December 25, 2020 to January 1, 2021 after almost 10 months of suspending visits to inmates.
BuCor Spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag disclosed that the “controlled dalaw (visit)” was allowed “for humanitarian consideration. Pasko naman, pwede naman natin silang payagan na lumapit nang kaunti pero wala na pong physical contact (for humanitarian consideration. It’s Christmas, we can allow them to come nearer but without physical contact).”
Authorities will strictly implement the “1 PDL per 1 visitor” policy with a maximum time limit of15 minutes per visit. Face-to-face set-up is allowed but controlled. Physical distancing is a must. Wearing of face mask and face shield is also mandatory in accordance with the minimum health protocols.
Visitors will be required to bring a medical certificate as proof that they do not have Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms.
Those who cannot visit their loved ones are encouraged to send food and medicine for the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The maximum weight allowed for the package is 5 kilograms per PDL and the maximum amount for cash is ₱2,000.
The BuCor forewarned that illegal contrabands will not enter the facility and that the relatives of the PDLs are “fully documented” for contact tracing purposes. – Report from Mark Fetalco
