Fresnedi: Remove virus-positive inmates from NBP

MANILA, Philippines — Citing safety risks, the Muntinlupa City government has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to move the 47 coronavirus-positive inmates from Mandaluyong’s Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) out of a quarantine facility at New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

On Monday, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi sent a letter to Secretary Menardo Guevarra of the DOJ—the parent agency of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) which, in turn, has jurisdiction over NBP—in which he stated the city’s protest over the transfer of the CIW inmates to the national penitentiary.

“Let it be stated that we are mindful of our obligation to extend humane considerations to those afflicted with the pandemic virus. However, we have also to consider the thousands of Muntinlupeños who are put at greater risk with the additional (new coronavirus disease) COVID-19 patients brought to the city,” Fresnedi wrote.

As of May 3, the city health office had recorded 154 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 22 deaths and 46 recoveries.

The Muntinlupa local government earlier coordinated with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases about its protest over the inmates’ transfer.

It noted that the BuCor did not coordinate with city officials in violation of Section 16 of the Local Government Code.

Forty-seven CIW inmates found positive for COVID-19 are currently in isolation at “Site Harry,” a quarantine facility at NBP.