MANILA, Philippines — Human rights group KAPATID has pressed the national government and prison agencies to hasten the processing for the release of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), following the confirmation of 18 cases of COVID-19 at the Quezon City Jail. “Very early on KAPATID forewarned that NO lockdown of prison can keep out the #COVID19 contagion. The rights group said the government should “get its act together” and follow the steps of other countries to release the most vulnerable, elderly and sick PDLs. Among the 18 COVID-19 patients from the Quezon City Jail are nine PDLs and nine Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel, BJMP said Friday. Xavier Solda also said they will be conducting random testing on PDLs at the Quezon City Jail following the report.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 18, 2020 09:56 UTC