BJMP awaiting COVID-19 results of 21 inmates

April 13, 2020

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Monday said  21 inmates are isolated, awaiting result of their throat swab for the COVID-19 virus.

In a virtual presser, BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Xavier Solda said: ''As of this minute, we have zero COVID-19 cases.''

Solda said these inmates had contact with an inmate who died last week due to acute myocardial infarction and hypertension.

It was stated on the inmate’s death certificate that a possible COVID-19 infection may have led to his death.

In a radio interview, Solda said if found positive, these inmates will just stay in the facility if there is no need for them to be brought to the hospital upon the advice of doctors.

“But if their status is severe and needs hospitalization, we really need to bring them to the nearest hospital… what is important is we should inform the court that they will be brought to the hospital,” he said.

He added without court approval, they cannot bring inmates outside the jail facility.

Solda reiterated they cannot just release inmates despite requests from some groups.

“The stand of BJMP (in the issue is) any move to decongest the jail facilities will be supported by BJMP because we believe that we need to help the jail sector especially our inmates who are vulnerable on the situation… but they must understand that we cannot just release anyone without any court,” Solda said.

If inmates will seek this option, he said their lawyers should appeal to the courts.

Solda said jail lockdown is still ongoing in the 468 BJMP facilities.

“The BJMP is very transparent and the PDLs (person deprived of liberty) have access to information through television and radio so they will know how they can protect themselves,” Solda said.

Aside from jail lockdown, BJMP is not accepting visitors but they allow  inmates to communicate with their families through E-Dalaw (electronic visitation).

In a statement last month, Solda said strict measures are being implemented to block infection and spread of COVID-19 in jail facilities.

“All BJMP personnel undergo thermal scan every day and jail officers who come near the PDLs wear face masks and foot bags,” he said.

“The implementation of precautionary measures which are anchored on the DOH protocols are strictly monitored by the BJMP COVID-19 Task force,” he added.

Solda said hand washing areas are also placed at the prison gates to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene.

To date, there are 134,748 PDLs nationwide with Cebu City jail male dormitory having the highest number of PDLs at 6,237; followed by Manila City Jail with 4,916 and Quezon City Jail with 3,821. Ella Dionisio/DMS