BuCor shows photos of Jaybee Sebastian's remains before cremation

Having to deal with suspicions of foul play, the Bureau of Corrections on Tuesday showed pictures of the remains of kidnap-for-ransom convict Jaybee Sebastian and presented his death certificate which indicated that he died of COVID-19.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras", the BuCor showed to GMA News photos of Sebastian’s remains before he was cremated on Saturday, as well as his death certificate and those of eight other inmates who died of the disease.

Also presented were COVID-19 swab test results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

New Bilibid Prison Hospital director Dr. Henry Fabro also personally read Sebastian’s cause of death which was myocardial infarction as a complication of COVID-19.

BuCor legal officer Atty. Hobert Luz said they are also prepared to show the inmates’ medical records if needed.

“The document would speak for itself naman, ‘di ba? So what do we need to prove ba based on that matter?" Luz said.

"So as to the issue naman kung sinasabi ng iba na baka may ibang tao ‘yan na nakalabas or what, ‘di naman sa amin nanggaling ‘yon eh so is that our burden to prove kung totoo man ‘yon, ‘di ba? Kasi kami, as far as we are concerned, eh ito lang ‘yong pinagbabasehan namin,” he added.

BuCor spokesperson Colonel Gabriel Chaclag, meanwhile, said the families of the inmates were informed of their condition since they were infected.

The families also knew about the cremation, he added.

“It’s a regular process so rest assured na lahat po ng processes na ginagawa sa PDL, lalo na sa usapin ng cremation of the remains, we try every avenue to contact the relatives of the PDL,” Chaclag said.

However, he said there are some who were not informed because the contact numbers were not updated.

“We cannot wait for the response of the family if we cannot contact within 12 hours kailangan naitn ma-fulfill na ‘yong guideline ng DOH,” Chaclag said.

Based on the guidelines from the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in the event of an inmate’s death from COVID-19, madatory cremation is required within 12 hours to prevent the further spread of the virus. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News