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BI to review aliens’ cases to decongest jail facility

By Ferdinand Patinio

April 23, 2020, 3:23 pm

<p>BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval. <em>(File photo)</em></p>

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval. (File photo)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said it will evaluate foreigners for temporary release or deportation to decongest its detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Yes, they will be evaluated if qualified for temporary liberty and/or deportation,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a Viber message.

She said the evaluation will begin next week, but so far, they have identified high-risk detainees.

“The evaluation will start next week. So far, we have three pregnant detainees (who are considered high risk). The recommendation on the rest of the inmates will be tackled next week," she added.

She said the basis for release or deportation of foreigners will depend "on the merits of the case, as well as vulnerabilities of the ward.”

On Wednesday, the BI reported that two women detainees were already released on bail, while one has already been deported. It, however, did not reveal their identities.

Currently, over 400 foreigners are staying at the BI's detention facility which has a capacity of 140 people.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has ordered to decongest the facility after observing that overcrowding exposes both the inmates and their guards to the risk of getting infected with the virus. (PNA)

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