CHR urges BJMP to speed up jail decongestion amid rising COVID-19 cases

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to expedite jail decongestion amidst rising COVID-19 cases among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

The Quezon City jail has reported nine inmates and nine personnel testing positive for COVID-19, while 76 inmates and 80 personnel at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa are considered COVID-19 suspects.

The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong confirmed 18 inmates and one staff member have COVID-19.

CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia stated that the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in jails poses a significant threat to PDLs due to severe overcrowding.

The CHR lauded the Supreme Court's directive for judges to review criminal cases for potential PDL release and stressed the need for expediency in implementing decongestion guidelines.

De Guia also proposed the swift establishment of an ad hoc committee to create guidelines for the temporary release of qualified PDLs, such as the elderly, sick, and those with non-violent offenses.

The CHR also recommended that the government provide support for released PDLs, including transportation, financial aid, and assistance during quarantine.

Furthermore, the CHR emphasized the need for risk mitigation measures within jails, such as clean water, hygiene products, regular disinfection, information dissemination, healthcare protocols, and medical and mental health services.