By Jonathan Hicap
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director-General Gerald Bantag led in the disinfecting of facilities at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa Thursday, and at the same showed off his clean-shaven look to promote cleanliness and personal hygiene as measures against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Clean-shaven Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag wearing a PPE as he led in disinfecting the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa. (Photo courtesy of BuCor PIO)/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), Bantag used a misting machine to disinfect the NBP maximum security camp, including the dormitories and BuCor offices.
“Here at NBP and at all penal farms under BuCor, we implemented measures to maintain our prisons COVID-19 free. This is for the benefit of all prisoners and their loved ones,” Bantag said.
These include the purchase of misting machines, N95 masks, alcohol, gloves, and disposable long sleeves (poncho).
Bantag added that he decided to shave his beard and mustache “to show my solidarity with the Filipino people in their effort to promote cleanliness and personal hygiene as a way to defeat COVID-19.”
BuCor Spokesperson Gabriele Chaclag told Manila Bulletin that to date, there is no COVID-19 case among prisoners nor there are persons under monitoring or investigation for the disease. He said prisoners were told to observe cleanliness and avoid social activities involving physical interaction and close proximity.
Bantag vowed that the BuCor will cooperate with the national government in its efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
He urged everyone to follow the regulations imposed by the government under the enhanced community quarantine.