Church leaders push for release of vulnerable prisoners due to COVID-19 risk

Church leaders are urging the government to release vulnerable prisoners to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the country's congested jails.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza stated that decongesting facilities is crucial for the safety of both detainees and jail personnel.

Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza emphasized the need to release prisoners, especially the sick, elderly, low-level offenders, and political prisoners, on humanitarian grounds.

Marigza highlighted that the existing prison congestion rate already poses a significant risk of unmanageable outbreaks.

Alminaza suggested that releasing political prisoners would send a positive message about the administration's commitment to peace.

He stressed that the current situation in jails makes social distancing impossible, necessitating extraordinary measures.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for urgent action to ensure health and safety in detention facilities worldwide.