BI eyes granting bail to detained foreigners to decongest detention facility

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday it is considering granting bail to foreigners jailed at its detention center in Taguig City to decongest and avoid the spread of the new virus that causes COVID-19 in the facility.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has also ordered the speeding up of deportation cases against those currently detained at the BI Warden Facility (BIWF) in Bicutan, noting that overcrowding in the center puts both inmates and guards at risk of getting infected with the novel coronavirus.

“We don’t want COVID-19 transmissions to happen in our facility. We will work double-time to deport aliens, especially for the wards that are considered health risks,” he said in a statement.

So far, two pregnant women, considered as “high-risk detainees,” have been released on bail, while one was already deported.

But BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval clarified that only those “most vulnerable” to COVID-19, such as the elderly and pregnant women, will be considered in the granting of bail.

She added that bail can be granted depending on the merits of the case and subject to the approval of the BI commissioner.

“Usually, bail is granted for humanitarian considerations,” Sandoval told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

Morente has instructed the bureau’s deportation unit to fast-track the implementation of deportation orders and secures the necessary clearances to facilitate the foreigners’ departure from the country.

As part of countermeasures against COVID-19, Morente earlier ordered the creation of a task force that would coordinate and properly address concerns on the disease.

BI said a 24/7 internal health hotline has been set-up, and a medical task group has also been activated to spearhead the bureau’s fight against the disease.

Protocols on what to do in case a positive case has been detected have also been established, and a medical officer is always on duty at the BIWF to monitor the health of wards and employees.

The detention facility was also placed on lockdown, prohibiting visitors to enter temporarily. The BI has also tapped the country’s police force to assist in securing the facility’s premises.

The BI said all wards were also advised to always take a bath, and are not allowed to enter common facilities without properly sanitizing themselves.

Wards are likewise informed of protocols in proper handwashing and sanitizing.

BIWF chief Remiecar Caguiron assured that the facility underwent rigorous cleaning and disinfection.

“Vehicles are disinfected upon entering the compound, with sanitation tents and foot baths in place to sanitize entering personnel,” she said in the statement.

The facility’s management is also coordinating with the International Committee of the Red Cross and foreign embassies regarding possible donations for face masks.

So far, there are currently 6,599 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 654 have recovered while 437 have died.