The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Region VI (BJMP-6) temporarily suspended visitation at detention facilities due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19.
“We are doing this as part of our preventive measures,” explained BJMP-6 deputy administration director, Jail Superintendent Gilbert Peremne.
He added, the order, which is effective today, March 12, has been sent to all 38 jail facilities across the region.
“We are asking the understanding [from] the family and relatives of inmates because this is an order from our headquarters and this move is also beneficial to them,” explained Jail Superintendent Mary Chanette Espartero, warden at the BJMP facility in Barangay Ungka, located in Iloilo City’s Jaro district. “We [will] allow visitors if there’s an emergency or important matter.”
Meanwhile, she noted, the Iloilo City facility is taking precautionary measures including the procurement of an infrared thermometer; along with providing facilities for hand washing outside the BJMP gate, alcohol to sanitize hands before entering the jail compound, and an awareness bulletin on Covid-19; along with a general awareness campaign./WDJ