161 PDLs, 33 prison execs positive for COVID
by Hector LawasSOME 161 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and 33 prison officials have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 in Bureau of Corrections penal facilities as of May 25.
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete revealed this development citing latest report from BuCor.
Among the penal farms and colonies managed by BuCor, the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City has the most number of confirmed cases.
The NBP accounted 82 PDLs and 26 personnel confirmed infected with the virus.
The Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City meanwhile has 79 PDLs and five personnel confirmed.On the other hand, while no confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, 19 PDLs from that facility are considered suspect cases.
No cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the four other penal farms and colonies under the BuCor.
As part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the COVID-19 situation inside our prisons, a second batch of 1500 rapid tests kits for use by PDLs are set to be delivered to the BuCor this week.