The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed deep concern on Thursday over reports that more than 400 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) contracted tuberculosis (TB) at Pasay City Jail.
Citing the Nelson Mandela Rules, also known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the CHR emphasized that “all prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.”
The Commission asserted that PDLs must access to medical care and treatment equivalent to that available to the general population, including preventive measures and health screenings.
“To prevent similar health problems in jails, the Commission hopes that the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will implement routine and comprehensive medical screenings for all PDLs upon entry and periodically during their incarceration to detect TB and other infectious diseases early,” the CHR said.
They also highlighted the need for “access to accurate and rapid diagnostic tools to confirm infectious diseases promptly.”
The CHR’s concern stems from reports indicating that over 400 inmates at Pasay City Jail exhibited TB-like symptoms based on X-ray results. Although these findings are not yet conclusive, the affected inmates are currently being isolated for further testing.
The high number of suspected TB cases underscores a critical public health issue requiring immediate and comprehensive action. The CHR warned that TB could potentially spread within the prison population and to the broader community if not addressed promptly.
“Given the gravity of the situation, we urge the Pasay City Jail administration, BuCor and other relevant agencies to take cognizance of the matter,” the CHR said.
Citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the CHR said the Philippines has the world’s 11th largest prison population. This statistic highlights the significant public health risks posed by inadequate medical care in overcrowded prisons.
“The Commission remains steadfast in its mandate of protecting the rights of all individuals, including those who are in conflict with the law. We believe that genuine reparation and rehabilitation can only be attained by upholding justice, fairness and the inherent human dignity of PDLs,” the CHR said.
