CIW reports 19 new COVID cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday recorded 19 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) a few days after the first case was detected.

A 72-year-old CIW inmate was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, the first case in the BuCor’s seven penal colonies all over the country.

In a statement, 42 inmates and nine medical staff at the CIW who were exposed to the inmate were tested, according to CIW Superintendent Virginia Mangawit.

“Those tested positive were reported to have mild symptoms and some are asymptomatic. They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strenghten their immune system,” the BuCor said in a statement.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said yesterday they are talking with the Philippine Red Cross and other groups to conduct mass testing at the CIW.

The CIW has a capacity of only 1,008 inmates but held 3,422 inmates as of February – a congestion rate of 240 percent.

The 19 patients – 18 inmates and one employee – were reportedly confined at a hospital in Quezon City, a BuCor insider said.

However, BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag told The STAR that the 18 COVID-positive inmates were transferred to an isolation area at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) reservation in Muntinlupa City.

He said the site is “very far” from the residential area, being 400 meters away from the nearest house.

“We are looking at the greater good. We don’t want to compromise the safety of Muntinlupa residents… but they should look at the area to quell any apprehension,” he said.

However, city public information office chief Tez Navarro said the city government was “surprised and disappointed” with how the BuCor “hid” the transfer.

She said Mayor Jaime Fresnedi is “disappointed” with the NBP for “not respecting the city government’s implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.

Navarro said BuCor should reach out and explain to Fresnedi why the transfer was done “without even passing through… the city health office.” – With Evelyn Macairan