By Genalyn Kabiling

At least 517 persons deprived with liberty (PDLs) have been infected with the coronavirus disease, President Duterte revealed in his ninth weekly report to Congress.

The President gave the update on the coronavirus infections after announcing that around 144 PDLs have been granted parole by the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP).

“As of 19 May 2020, the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) has identified 703 suspected, 86 probable, and 517 confirmed (detained in 10 various facilities) COVID-19 cases in its facilities,” he said.

“The PDLS who have been found positive are currently being treated in various isolation facilities established by the BJMP,” he added.

According to the President, the BJMP has been actively engaged in contact tracing in jails that have confirmed coronavirus cases. In Cebu City jail facilities, he said the BJMP has implemented swab testing of PDLs and BJMP personnel, established isolation centers, and intensified contact tracing.

President Duterte also gave the update on the assistance given to PDLs in his latest weekly report to Congress following the implementation of the interim rules on parole and and executive clemency.

“As of 15 May 2020, 144 PDLs have been granted parole and 653 pending applications for parole/executive clemency are being processed pursuant to the interim rules,” he said.

The government earlier issued interim rules prioritizing PDLs who are old, sickly, or suffering from terminal illness in the processing of parole or executive clemency review. The resolution also simplified the procedures by dispensing with some documentary requirements for applications for parole and clemency.

Excluded from the interim rules are those convicted of heinous crimes or drug-related offenses as well as those considered as high-risk inmates.

As of May 12, Duterte said 53 elderly PDLs have also been released from detention by virtue of a court order.

In his previous weekly report to Congress, the President said the government will require PDLs given parole or executive clemency to undergo a two-week quarantine before their release.