Philippine News Agency
Gov’t reply on plea to free inmates underway: Palace
The Supreme Court ordered government officials to comment on a petition for the temporary release of low-risk and vulnerable detainees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The respondents have a non-extendible period until April 24 to submit their comment and a verified report on the situation.
Respondents are also directed to implement necessary interim preventive measures required by the national emergency.
More than 20 detainees cited their age and health conditions as reasons for their vulnerability to the virus.
The petition names Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, BJMP chief Allan Iral, BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag, and other jail and prison officials as respondents.
This development follows the announcement of nine detainees and nine personnel at the Quezon City Jail testing positive for COVID-19.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) will proceed with the release of "vulnerable" persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to protect them from COVID-19, even without the finalized uniform manual for the expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.
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Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the Bureau of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Parole to expedite the release of sick and elderly prisoners or grant them executive clemency.
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Human rights group Kapatid urged the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to publicly disclose the number of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) infected with COVID-19.
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One of the fraternity members accused in the 2017 hazing death of law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III has asked a Manila court for temporary release on humanitarian grounds due to COVID-19 fears.
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the temporary release of light offenders, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals to help decongest jails during the COVID-19 crisis.
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