Forensic pathologist flags high TB rate among PDLs

Noted forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun expressed concern over the number of tuberculosis cases among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) that have undergone autopsy.

Since 2022, Dr. Fortun has received 100 referrals for autopsy, including that of Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the October 2022 killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

Of the 100 referrals, she has finalized the report for 21, and noted a significant number of tuberculosis cases among them.

She highlighted that preventable deaths are a concern, in addition to foul play, stating that many PDLs appear to have died from late-stage malignancies that were never diagnosed or treated.

Dr. Fortun warned that tuberculosis among PDLs puts prison staff at risk as well.

The Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang stated that ongoing efforts to decongest the New Bilibid Prison are expected to alleviate health concerns like tuberculosis.

Catapang anticipates a reduction in the inmate population from 25,000 to between 20,000 and 22,000 by the end of 2025, believing this will significantly help combat the spread of tuberculosis.