DILG welcomes SC move to decongest jails amid virus threat

The DILG welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to decongest jails and prisons amid the coronavirus pandemic.

SC Administrative Circular 39-2020 allows for reduced bail for those charged with crimes punishable by up to 12 years, and release based on recognizance for those charged with crimes of six months or less.

BJMP will prioritize releasing qualified Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in facilities with confirmed cases to prevent further spread of the virus.

As of Saturday, nearly 10,000 inmates have been freed across the country.

Four out of 468 BJMP facilities nationwide have reported COVID-19 cases, with a total of 345 cases confirmed.