Mandaluyong inmates need COVID-19 test
MANILA, Philippines — The Mandaluyong government is requiring inmates to be tested for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before being committed or released from detention.
Mayor Menchie Abalos has issued an executive order, directing the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) and the city jail to enforce the measure.
“There is a need to conduct mass testing of prisoners to curb the transmission of the virus in jails,” Abalos said.
She said the city health department would conduct the tests after a court issues a commitment order.
“Inmates set for release should also undergo swab tests,” Abalos said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said 476 inmates in jails under the Bureau of Corrections have died from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Of the number, three were inmates of the CIW and 18 from the New Bilibid Prison.
Meanwhile, a residential compound in Barangay Paso de Blas in Valenzuela will be placed on lockdown tomorrow amid rising cases of COVID-19, Mayor Rex Gatchalian said.
- Latest
- Trending
