BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on third and final reading a proposed ordinance requiring persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to undergo tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prior to their commitment to jail facilities.
According to the measure’s author Councilor Al Victor Espino, jails produce or reinforce a host of hygiene-related problems which could result to the explosion of infectious diseases.
The proposed ordinance directs the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), in cooperation with the Philippine National Police, Department of Health and City Health Office (CHO), to enforce the COVID-19 testing.
It tasks the City Health Office (CHO) to conduct the testing in addition to the medical examination requirement.
Should the PDL test positive for COVID-19, he/she shall be placed in the designated quarantine area inside the jail for isolation and treatment, the ordinance added.
“Only when he/she is cleared by the CHO should he/she be permitted to be committed to his/her designated detention cell.
Since the pandemic started in March 2020, 5,019 COVID-19 cases were recorded among inmates nationwide (as of March data), according to Chief Inspector Xavier Solda, BJMP central office spokesperson./PN
