PDLs get sore eyes, ‘pigsa’ amid extreme heat — BJMP

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Wednesday said that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in several jails have contracted sore eyes and pigsa or boils amid the scorching heat currently affecting the country.

“Sa katunayan po meron na po kami reported na mga sore eyes, mga skin diseases… pero nakahanda naman po kami,” BJMP Jail Director Raul Rivera told Super Radyo dzBB.

(In truth, we have reported cases of sore eyes and skin diseases in jails… but we are prepared.)

Rivera said that there were less than 100 cases recorded in the National Capital Region while there was at least one case recorded in the regions.

“Pero inaagapan na po natin para hindi po kumalat. Mahirap po kasi, baka ito ay magkahawakan o baka lumala pa,” Rivera said.

(We’re addressing this so it would not spread. It would be difficult if this spreads or worsens.)

Dangerous levels

On Tuesday, PAGASA said the heat indexes in Pasay City and 10 other areas in the Philippines were expected to reach dangerous levels.

Rivera said that to address this, the BJMP improved the ventilation in jail cells by adding ceiling fans and industrial fans as well as placing ventilation shafts.

He said that PDLs are still released from their cells but are brought to shaded areas.

“Sa halip na ibilad sila sa araw, nandoon naman sila sa shade area para ho naman makalanghap rin sila ng sariwang hangin,” Rivera said.

(Instead of letting them stay under the sun, they are brought to shaded areas so they can still breathe in fresh air.)

Meanwhile, Rivera said that the BJMP currently does not have problems with the distribution of water to PDLs.

According to the BJMP director, the agency has coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BJMP) and local government units to address possible water shortages. — VDV, GMA Integrated News