BuCor denies scabies outbreak at NBP, other prison and penal farms

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Wednesday denied that there is a scabies outbreak in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) or any other prison and penal farm nationwide. 

BuCor issued the remark after political prisoner group Kapatid urged BuCor to allow the immediate delivery of medicines as well as a treatment and sanitation campaign for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Kapatid said that based on its recent visits, “skin infections appear to be spreading quickly” in the Reception and Diagnostic Center in the NBP amid severe overcrowding and lack of water.

According to BuCor Acting Director for Health and Welfare Services Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, the last recorded scabies outbreak happened two years ago.

Villanueva said thatthe International Committee of the Red Cross, in collaboration with BuCor, sponsored an “alis galis” activity.

Meanwhile, Villanueva said there are protocols for medicine delivery.

“The Bucor assured both the public and the families of persons deprived of liberty that it can respond effectively to any health-related issues that may arise inside the correction facilities,” the BuCor said in a statement.

According to Kapatid, it has also sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting urgent action on humanitarian concerns.

GMA News Online has asked the DOJ for comment. —AOL, GMA Integrated News