Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete. (File photo)
MANILA – The number of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in prison facilities has reached 222, a Department of Justice (DOJ) official said Thursday.
Citing a June 2 report from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said of the number, 10 have died while 31 have recovered.
Meanwhile, 48 BuCor personnel were confirmed to be infected with Covid-19, four of whom have recovered.
Last May 25, the bureau recorded 161 confirmed infections among PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison and the Correctional Institute for Women, as well as 33 BuCor personnel.
As part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the Covid-19 situation inside prison facilities, Perete said more rapid test kits for use by PDLs are set to be delivered to the BuCor.
The DOJ will provide the bureau laptops for the use of PDLs under the E-Dalaw program.
This program will use electronic or virtual venues for PDLs and their families to communicate during the health crisis.
The laptops were provided under the GoJust Program of the European Union.
The BuCor is also working closely with health officials and the Philippine Red Cross to address the Covid-19 outbreak's impact on the inmate population. (PNA)
