The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Wednesday, March 11, that there is no scabies outbreak at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City or in any of the six other operating prisons and penal farms nationwide.
The bureau issued the clarification after Kapatid—a support group for families and friends of political prisoners—raised alarm over alleged scabies cases reportedly linked to overcrowding and water shortages inside NBP.
Google describes scabies as a highly contagious skin infestation that causes intense itching and a pimple-like rash, spreading easily through direct skin-to-skin contact.
CT/Supt. Ma. Cecilia V. Villanueva, BuCor’s acting director for health and welfare services, said the last recorded scabies outbreak in BuCor facilities occurred two years ago.
During that time, BuCor, with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, conducted “alis galis” activities to address the situation.
Kapatid also alleged that it encountered difficulties in its request for immediate assistance, such as bringing medicines to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Villanueva said there are protocols to follow for those who intend to bring in medicines to PDLs to ensure accountability and safety while preventing the entry of contraband.
Citing the procedures, she said all medicines must be deposited to the Directorate for Health Services of the BuCor then to pharmacy or camp infirmaries to be given to the PDL concerned, and relatives must provide an itemized list of the medications along with containers labeled with the PDL’s name. A receipt will be issued by the pharmacist-on-duty.
Also, she said, medications must be accompanied by a valid doctor’s prescription to be considered for approval, and medical officers or pharmacists have the authority to examine the medicines brought in and to decide on their disposition.
In its statement, the BuCor assured the PDLs and their families that the bureau can respond effectively to any health-related issues that may arise inside its correction facilities.
Aside from the NBP, the other prison facilities of the BuCor in the country are the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan; Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF); San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro; and Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) in Abuyog, Leyte. (Rey Panaligan)
