CPDRC inmates getting sick from the heat

Some inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center – the facility known for its dancing inmates – are beginning to get ill due to the hot weather.

This has prompted CPDRC management to take steps to prevent diseases from spreading among inmates, GMA Cebu's Gregy Magdadaro reported Friday.

Citing initial reports, the management said some inmates are experiencing skin rashes and bungang araw (prickly heat).

Also, the report said the management is working to address concerns that the overcrowding in CPDRC could aggravate the problem and lead to more inmates getting sick.

As of Friday, 2,345 inmates packed the facility that has a capacity of 1,400.

At least for now, the management said the situation is under control, with inmates having little chance of getting sick.

Those who got sick have been given medicines.

"Ang mga damit nila kailangang sabunin, labhan at painitan ... mas mabuti sana kung may plantsa," said CPDRC nurse Merrysa Baring.

Security has also been tightened for visitors, to make sure they do not have diseases that can easily spread - such as sore eyes, measles and fever.

Inmates are also regularly reminded to take a bath daily and to change clothes when they perspire.

Starting next week, the CPDRC may isolate some 100 elderly inmates, who management said could be more prone to getting sick.

"Almost 100 ang nasa edad 60-plus na, kailangan natin silang i-isolate dahil mas madali silang mahawa dahil matanda na," said CPDRC warden Romeo Manansala. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News