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Guevarra to confront Bantag anew

Philippines | National

Guevarra to confront Bantag anew

By Jeffrey Damicog

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra is set to meet with Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gerald Bantag to discuss further issues surrounding public disclosure of high-profile inmates infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN) — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“This will be the subject of our next meeting,” Guevarra told reporters on Tuesday, although admitting no exact date for the same has been set yet.

The two already met last Monday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila following the deaths of several high-profile illegal drugs convicts at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) due to COVID-19.

During the meeting, Bantag admitted the BuCor cremated the remains of the inmates, including Jaybee Sebastian, pursuant to DOH protocols.

Bantag also assured Guevarra the health situation at the BuCor is under control and that only five persons deprived of liberty (PDL) remain in isolation due to COVID-19.

The isolation facility at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City called “Site Harry” is equipped with around 300 beds.

Prior to the meeting, Bantag refused to identify the identities of high-profile inmates who died from COVID-19 citing the Data Privacy Law.

“For now we have instructed the BuCor to ensure the presence of a DOH (Department of Health) representative during the conduct of swab tests within their facilities and to exert greater efforts to immediately notify the members of deceased inmates’ families prior to cremation,” the secretary said.

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