SC directs judges to detain new arrests at PNP until August 31

The Supreme Court directed trial court judges on Tuesday, July 21, to order the detention of newly arrested individuals at Philippine National Police (PNP) facilities instead of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) jails until August 31.

This directive aims to prevent further spread of COVID-19 among detainees in BJMP jails.

Local PNP units will temporarily house new arrestees unless local BJMP jail units are ready to admit them.

The decision follows a request by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and comes as thousands remain in jail for bailable quarantine violations.