EU to donate tablets, Covid-19 test kits to PH jails

The aid, which is under EU’s Governance in Justice (GOJUST) program, is coordinated with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).(Pixabay photo)

MANILA – The European Union (EU) is providing multimedia tablets for the e-Dalaw system of detention centers in the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We are pleased to provide assistance to the criminal justice system as they address new challenges resulting from Covid-19, “Thomas Wiersing, chargé d’affaires of the EU Delegation to the Philippines said on Saturday.

According to the delegation, the PHP2.9 million-worth of assistance also includes the provision of disinfection kits, personal protective equipment, and Covid-19 test kits for inmates and jail personnel.

The aid, which is under EU’s Governance in Justice (GOJUST) program, is coordinated with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

“This initiative further builds on the support being provided by the program to establish and expand e-Dalaw in justice zone areas – Quezon City, Davao City, Cebu City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, and Naga City and the rollout of videoconferencing between courts and jails,” the EU Delegation in Manila said.

Citing Department of Health records, the EU said at least 249 inmates and 34 jail staff were diagnosed with the illness as of May 3.

More tests and PPE are needed to contain the spread of infection in jails, the EU said.