DOJ: No forced quarantine for PUIs, PUMs

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra denies that the government would force persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs) for the new coronavirus disease to be quarantined in designated quarantine centers.

“What has been discussed is the conversion of certain big structures and buildings like the Philippine International Convention Center [as quarantine centers] when regular hospitals reach their maximum room capacity,” he told reporters in a text message.

“LGUs [local government units] have also been required to provide quarantine or isolation centers in their respective jurisdictions to address the needs of families with not enough space in their homes,” he added.

—DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN