BuCor chief refuses to disclose names of inmates who died of COVID-19 | Inquirer News

BuCor chief refuses to disclose names of inmates who died of COVID-19

/ 09:24 AM July 20, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — Citing the Data Privacy Act, Bureau of Corrections director-general Gerald Bantag has refused to disclose to the public the names of inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who died in BuCor facilities due to the coronavirus disease 2019.

Bantag said this after sources revealed that Jaybee Sebastian, a key witness in the drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), and eight other high-profile inmates at the same penitentiary have died of COVID-19.

“Indeed there are PDL who died due to COVID-19. However, as much as we want to inform the public with respect to the names of PDL who died due to COVID-19, the data privacy act prohibits us from doing so,” he said in a text message Sunday.

Article continues after this advertisement

Bantag also assured that the BuCor is doing its best to address the COVID-19 situation in its facilities.

FEATURED STORIES

“In fact, we have a high rate of recovery and we are glad to report to the public that all our interventions appear to be doing well and effective,” said the bureau director.

According to Bantag, BuCor has been conducting “quick” identification of suspected cases as well as isolation and treatment programs to address the cases of infection in its jails.

Article continues after this advertisement

He said the bureau had likewise partnered with other government agencies, international organizations, and non-government organizations to strengthen its drive in addressing the outbreak.

The eight other inmates who reportedly died of COVID-19 were among the 66 occupants of Building 14, the most secured facility within NBP’s Maximum Security Compound and houses high-profile inmates, mostly convicted drug dealers.

JE
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS:

No tags found for this post.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.