Inmates with COVID-19 down to 38 – BJMP

MANILA, Philippines — The number of COVID-19 cases among inmates in facilities under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is down to 38, the BJMP reported yesterday.

BJMP spokesman Chief Insp. Xavier Solda attributed the decrease in COVID-19 infections to the strict health protocols implemented in 470 jails across the country, including the suspension of visits.

“We cannot resume yet the visitation privileges for the safety of the inmates, jail personnel at pati na rin yung mga dadalaw na kamag-anak nila,” Solda said.

The BJMP has recorded 1,998 COVID-19 cases among inmates. Of the number, 25 inmates have died of the disease.

The virus has infected a total of 1,036 BJMP personnel with five deaths.

Solda said they would continue to enforce health measures as they aim for zero cases by the end of the year.

‘Paabot’ in Bilibid resumes

Meanwhile, inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa can receive food, cash and other basic needs from their families until the end of the year, according to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

The BuCor has lifted the ban on paabot for inmates during the Christmas season.

The practice was banned in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relatives can only bring cooked food and cash of up to P2,000 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visits at the national penitentiary are still prohibited. Inmates are allowed to speak with their families online through e-kumustahan.

Last month, relatives of the inmates were allowed to bring food and cash in Bilibid but only during weekends.