Guevarra: BuCor death rate not substantially higher than 2019

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated that the death rate of inmates in Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) prisons from January to July 19, 2020, is not substantially higher than the daily average in 2019.

A total of 476 inmates died during this period, averaging about 2.3 deaths per day, with only 21 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and most having pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

Guevarra also noted that BuCor’s protocol for handling inmate deaths is inadequate and requires further discussion.

The Bureau of Corrections has seven facilities nationwide but recorded COVID-19 cases in just two: New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong.