De Lima urges release of PDLs to prevent COVID-19 outbreak

Senator Leila de Lima has urged the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to release qualified Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the country's overcrowded jails and detention centers.

De Lima emphasized that PDLs are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to the inability to practice social or physical distancing in their congested living conditions.

She called on the IATF to heed the recommendations of the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the welfare of individuals in close facilities.

The senator proposed the release of elderly PDLs (70 years and above), those with serious illnesses or disabilities, and individuals detained or convicted for minor non-violent offenses.

De Lima pointed out that the infection rate in jails could be catastrophic if measures are not taken.

She cited examples of other countries like Iran and Indonesia, which have already released a significant number of prisoners to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Releasing eligible detainees could also free up resources to improve nutrition and sanitation for remaining PDLs and ease the burden on jail healthcare facilities.

However, De Lima clarified that individuals detained or convicted of heinous crimes should be excluded from this early release program.