Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 29) — The Philippine National Police said Friday it is assessing the possible reopening of its detention facility to visitors amid the easing of quarantine measures in Metro Manila.
PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa, however, noted that the Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City is in close proximity to the quarantine center for infected police personnel, and to its COVID-19 testing laboratory.
“We need to reassess whether to open up yung visitors sa Custodial Center,” Gamboa said in an online media briefing.
He was reacting to minority senators’ protest against Senator Leila de Lima’s “solitary confinement” in the Custodial Center, where she has been detained since 2017 on what she calls trumped up drug charges.
“Sinagot na natin itong sulat (We already responded to the letter) but basically inaallow naman natin yung kanyang correspondence, we also allow her to make the phone calls,” Gamboa said.
He was referring to the letter sent by Senators Franklin Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros who said De Lima’s alleged incommunicado detention is illegal and unconstitutional.
Gamboa stressed they are following the same protocols set by the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in several jails and prison facilities across the country. Human rights groups have called them “ticking time bombs” for infection because of their crowded state.
The country now has more than 15,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, majority of which were recorded in Metro Manila. The capital region is transitioning to a more relaxed general community quarantine starting June 1 as officials cite the need to open the economy.
