CHR favors decongestion measures in jails
Published Apr 22, 2020 12:00 am
By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki
The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) is in favor of the government's efforts to decongest different jails in the country in light of the recent spike in the number of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) recently announced that nine inmates and nine of its own personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Quezon City jail.
In Muntinlupa, 76 inmates and 80 personnel in the New Bilibid Prison have been deemed as COVID-19 suspects. The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, on the other hand, confirmed on April 21 that 18 inmates and one jail staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the increasing number of jails with COVID-19 patients poses a growing threat to the health of PDL, who are confined in severely congested detention facilities that make physical distancing impossible.
The Commission has lauded the Supreme Court’s directive to first and second-level court judges to review the pending criminal cases towards the release of qualified PDL, because this is the right step in decongesting the country's jails.
"(The) issuance reiterates the need to adhere to the Supreme Court's 2014 guidelines on jail decongestion by enforcing the right of the accused persons to bail and speedy trial. It is hoped that this will be implemented with expediency for decongestion to begin," said de Guia.
She stressed that these decongestion plans and efforts need to be rolled out swiftly given the severity of the situation. "There is a need to move fast in establishing an ad hoc committee that will map out the guidelines for the temporary release of qualified PDL, such as the elderly and the sick, those jailed for non-violent offenses, and first-time offenders among others," she added.
The CHR likewise recommended that the government address the issues that PDL will most likely encounter once they are released, including transportation to their places of origin, financial support for those without relatives, and general assistance during the required quarantine period.
Aside from decongestion measures, the CHR highlighted the need for the government to conduct risk mitigation. This includes the provision of clean water and hygiene products, regular disinfection and sanitation of cells, provision of information about COVID-19, establishment of healthcare protocols, as well as provision of medical care and mental health services for all detainees.
"PDL have the same inherent dignity and right to health as the general population," said de Guia. "They are in detention so they may be reformed as they serve their sentence and may eventually reintegrate to society. Their health and life should not be imperiled while in custody."
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) recently announced that nine inmates and nine of its own personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Quezon City jail.
In Muntinlupa, 76 inmates and 80 personnel in the New Bilibid Prison have been deemed as COVID-19 suspects. The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, on the other hand, confirmed on April 21 that 18 inmates and one jail staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the increasing number of jails with COVID-19 patients poses a growing threat to the health of PDL, who are confined in severely congested detention facilities that make physical distancing impossible.
The Commission has lauded the Supreme Court’s directive to first and second-level court judges to review the pending criminal cases towards the release of qualified PDL, because this is the right step in decongesting the country's jails.
"(The) issuance reiterates the need to adhere to the Supreme Court's 2014 guidelines on jail decongestion by enforcing the right of the accused persons to bail and speedy trial. It is hoped that this will be implemented with expediency for decongestion to begin," said de Guia.
She stressed that these decongestion plans and efforts need to be rolled out swiftly given the severity of the situation. "There is a need to move fast in establishing an ad hoc committee that will map out the guidelines for the temporary release of qualified PDL, such as the elderly and the sick, those jailed for non-violent offenses, and first-time offenders among others," she added.
The CHR likewise recommended that the government address the issues that PDL will most likely encounter once they are released, including transportation to their places of origin, financial support for those without relatives, and general assistance during the required quarantine period.
Aside from decongestion measures, the CHR highlighted the need for the government to conduct risk mitigation. This includes the provision of clean water and hygiene products, regular disinfection and sanitation of cells, provision of information about COVID-19, establishment of healthcare protocols, as well as provision of medical care and mental health services for all detainees.
"PDL have the same inherent dignity and right to health as the general population," said de Guia. "They are in detention so they may be reformed as they serve their sentence and may eventually reintegrate to society. Their health and life should not be imperiled while in custody."