ADVERTISEMENTIn its letter, which copy was posted by Te on Twitter, FLAG expressed worry that high jail congestion may bring about widespread novel coronavirus infection. “[FLAG] has asked the Chief Justice to consider convening the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), which he chairs, to address the pleas for early release or humanitarian treatment of inmates during this pandemic,” Te said in a tweet. Various sectors — from lawmakers, activists, and other rights groups — have called for the temporary release of PDLs to avoid mass infection. BJMP Spokesperson Xavier Solda said at least 21 detainees are now in isolation and have been tested for possible coronavirus infection. To date, the Philippines has 5,660 people positive for coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes respiratory illness COVID-19.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 16, 2020 13:07 UTC