INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday sounded the alarm over reported cases of suspected tuberculosis among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Pasay City Jail, calling it a “critical public health issue” that needs immediate action.
Citing a news report, CHR said over 400 PDLs in Pasay City Jail have TB-like symptoms. The agency explained that the findings are “not yet conclusive,” but the PDLs are now being isolated.
READ: Pasay jail reports hike in TB cases
“The high number of suspected TB cases among PDLs at Pasay City Jail highlights a critical public health issue that necessitates immediate and comprehensive action. The potential for TB to spread both within the prison population and to the broader community underscores the urgency of addressing this outbreak effectively,” said CHR.
According to the agency, TB is a highly contagious disease that poses a serious health risk — especially in crowded areas such as jails.
Given this, CHR called on the Pasay City Jail administration, the Bureau of Correction, as well as other government agencies concerned to “take cognisance of the matter.”
“We reiterate Rule 1 of the Nelson Mandela Rules, also known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which states that all prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings,” said the agency.
“Rule 1 also emphasizes the need to ensure the safety and security of prisoners, staff, service providers, and visitors at all times. Further, this rule requires that PDLs should have access to the same level of medical care and treatment as the general population, including preventive measures and health screenings,” it added.
In order to prevent similar health concerns, CHR further called on the Bureau of Corrections to implement routine and comprehensive medical screenings for all PDLS upon entry and periodically during their incarceration.
“Access to accurate and rapid diagnostic tools to confirm infectious diseases promptly must also be ensured,” it said.