MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) suspended yesterday the visitation privileges of inmates in seven penal facilities nationwide due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
BuCor officials said the visitation ban would last for one week.
“With the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, we will strictly implement safety protocols to ensure the welfare of the inmates and prison personnel,” the BuCor said.
The bureau said the move was in line with President Duterte’s declaration of a public health emergency amid the coronavirus threat.
The penal colonies under the supervision of BuCor are the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Correctional Institution for Women, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, Leyte Regional Prison, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, Davao Prison and Penal Farm and the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag earlier said precautionary measures are in place in prison facilities to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra backed the BuCor’s decision to suspend visitation of inmates.