The water tank inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)
MANILA – Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Thursday directed prison officials to ensure adequate water supply for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in all penal institutions nationwide to prevent dehydration amid the scorching heat.
Catapang also instructed Senior Supt. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, acting director for Health and Welfare Services and head of the New Bilibid Prison Hospital, to do regular rounds to check on the status of PDLs.
“Our facilities are congested and due to the extreme heat that we are experiencing, our PDLs suffered the most, so I want to check on them,” Catapang said in a statement.
The BuCor said a health advisory has been issued to all concerned prison and penal farm officials to ensure the implementation of health programs, services and provision of medicines, including supplements, to prevent diseases and other health conditions among PDLs.
Prison officials were also advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to be watchful for signs and symptoms of diseases prevalent during summer. (PNA)
