OSG on releasing ‘at-risk’ inmates
Despite the fear of rising infections inside prison facilities, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) earlier stated that congestion is not among the grounds to release inmates.
In its 47-page comment on a petition seeking temporary liberty for low-risk and vulnerable prisoners and detainees amid the coronavirus pandemic, the OSG said that “the issue of the inadequacy of the
Philippine Prison System to meet the very high standard of international rules does not warrant the release of prisoners.”
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) — Two inmates from the Correctional Institution for Women who tested positive for the coronavirus disease, including the facility’s first case, have passed away, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed on Tuesday.
BuCor said its first COVID-19 case died on Monday. The 72-year-old patient was brought to the hospital on April 13 due to symptoms of pneumonia.
The agency added that another inmate who was admitted on the same date and died on April 21 was also positive for the coronavirus. The second inmate who passed away was also positive for sepsis, systemic lupus and pneumonia. She received her test results on Monday but she was tested on April 14.
There are currently 47 inmates from the institution who contracted COVID-19, BuCor said.
RELATED: OSG: Congestion in prisons not a ground to release inmates
Different prison facilities all around the country have reported cases of the coronavirus disease including the Quezon City jail, New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, and Cebu City jail.
