Temporarily free low-level offenders? BJMP says release up to courts

The release of inmates is up to the courts to decide, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said amid calls for the temporary release of low-level offenders and elderly and sickly detainees amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

"We have a justice system, a court system," BJMP spokesperson Xavier Solda said Wednesday. "The release of PDL (person deprived of liberty) regardless of the nature of their offense is for the court to decide. We're just implementing the  orders."

Kapatid, an organization of families and friends of political prisoners, has called on authorities to take steps for the "mass release" of low-level offenders, as well as the very elderly and the very sick, and "accidental victims of political arrests."

Kapatid called this the "Iran solution," a reference to Iranian officials' temporary release of thousands of prisoners in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in jails.

Raymund Narag, a justice reform advocate and a professor, and Clarke Jones, a criminologist, have suggested the granting of a medical furlough as temporary relief for "first time, low risk, non-violent, and bailable offenders for humanitarian considerations."

The Supreme Court has "drastically" reduced court operations and suspended court hearings except on urgent matters as the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rises.

In a message to reporters, Solda said the BJMP had submitted a manifestation for the temporary suspension of hearings until the public health emergency is lifted.

"As far as the BJMP is concern[ed], we are putting all efforts to shield the PDL under our care including personnel from COVID-19," he said.

On the other hand, the Bureau of Corrections(IBuCor), which has custody of national prisoners, said it has distributed rubbing alcohol and disposable masks to its inmates. The BuCor said it currently does not have any person under investigation for a COVID-19 infection.

The Department of Health has confirmed 202 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines as of Wednesday afternoon. Seventeen patients have died, and seven have recovered.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, which belongs to a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), according to the World Health Organization. — RSJ, GMA News