76 BuCor inmates under isolation for possible COVID-19 infection

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 76 inmates from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) have been placed in isolation for possible COVID-19 infection.

Based on the BuCor data contained in President Rodrigo Duterte’s report to Congress under the Bayanihan We Heal As One Act, 74 of the 76 prisoners were identified as persons under monitoring (PUM), while the remaining two were considered persons under investigation (PUI).

Meanwhile, 80 BuCor personnel are considered PUMs.

“These PUMs and PUIs are being monitored for symptoms and have been isolated from the rest of the prison population in designated quarantine and isolation areas in various BuCor facilities,” the BuCor said.

Although the BuCor did not say where these inmates are being held, it said that it has already coordinated with partner hospitals should there be a need to transport these PUMs and PUIs for medical treatment.

Aside from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, the BuCor also operates the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm im Zamboanga City, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and the Leyte Regional Prison in Southern Leyte.

Earlier, BuCor said it has already implemented disinfection protocols and quarantine schemes to reduce physical movement of personnel.

“More importantly, temporary tents are being used for PDLs to decongest prison buildings in the NBP and a COVID-19 24-hour monitoring center has been established at the national penitentiary,” it said.

BuCor Direct0r General Gerald Bantag earlier said despite the shortage of funds, they have managed to acquire misting machines, N95 masks and surgical masks, alcohol, sanitizers, gloves and disposable long sleeves for the use of PDLs and its personnel.

The bureau has already suspended the visitation rights of inmates since March to prevent the possibility of infection.

EDV