DOJ Says Release Of Elderly, Vulnerable, Low-Risk Inmates Up To President
ELDERLY, LOW-RISK INMATES RELEASE – Amid the coronavirus crisis in the Philippines, several vulnerable inmates are at risk of contracting the disease.
Previously, human rights groups, along with the Commission on Human rights and other concerned organizations called for temporary releasing inmates. This was to protect vulnerable inmates from the coronavirus in overcrowded jails.
As such, the Department of Justice (DOJ) had considered releasing vulnerable and non-violent inmates along with elderly, low-risk ones. Usually, it would be up to the DOJ to determine such a decision, however, this may not be the case.
According to a report from Inquirer, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated it would be ultimately up to President Rodrigo Duterte. Meanwhile, Nograles, spokesperson for the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 said they have discussed the appeals.
Furthermore, Nograles stated that they have looked into the pros and cons of the appeal. Additionally, they talked about the steps they could take to address the issue given.
As per the report, Guevarra mentioned that the DOJ would only consider inmates who are “low-risk” offenders. But, the release of inmates who are still undergoing trial will be up to the discretion of the courts.
Also, the Judicial Reform Initiative (JRI), wrote a letter to the Supreme Court and DOJ. They urged for the release of individuals most at-risk of contracting the deadly virus.
While obviously the State cannot set free hardened criminals, may we join other voices in appealing to your good offices for humanitarian reasons to please identify selected groups and individuals that could be released?
Our severely crowded detention facilities are fertile grounds for the proliferation of this highly communicable disease.
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