All facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) nationwide have been alerted on the rising number of dengue cases in the country.
In a directive, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. instructed all health service chiefs in prison facilities to report dengue cases within 24 hours to ensure timely tracking and response.
The instruction was based on Department of Health (DOH) report that there have been 28,334 dengue cases in eight local government units (LGUs) from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1. The number is 40 percent higher than the figure during the same period in 2024.
“The recent surge in dengue cases underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures to minimize the potential for disease transmission within our facilities and workspaces,” Catapang said.
He said the close monitoring of dengue cases was also recommended by Corrections T/CSupt. Ma. Cecelia Villanueva, BuCor officer-in-charge of the Office of Deputy Director General for Reformation and Director for Health and Welfare Services.
He also said the chiefs of the health services of the bureau’s prison facilities have been tasked to closely monitor for any signs of dengue, implement robust preventive actions, and have any confirmed cases reported promptly to local authorities.