MANILA, Philippines — A House panel is recommending the temporary release of “qualified” persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to address the congestion in jails and detention facilities amid the COVID-19 threat. The House Committee on Justice submitted their recommendation to the Peace and Order Cluster of the Defeat COVID-19 Committee (DCC) of the House of Representatives on April 6. Further, the recommendation also tasks the health department to test the qualified PDLs for COVID- 19 before they are released from jail. In terms of monitoring the released PDLs, barangay officials and PNP personnel are tasked to monitor them consistent with the enhanced community quarantine guidelines and procedures. The House justice committee said that four to five detained persons are cramped in a space designed for one detainee.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 09, 2020 13:05 UTC