By JEFFREY DAMICOG
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Medium Security Compound in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have been allowed to receive items from visitors this holiday season.
“For humanitarian consideration, Medium Security Compound will be accepting personal and basic needs of PSDL as long as they will adhere to the guidelines,” NBP acting Superintendent Victror Erick Pascua said in a memorandum dated Dec. 4.
Kapatid, the support group for families and friends of political prisoners, who had called on prison officials to lift restrictions, urged the NBP Monday not to limit the “paabot” just this Christmas season.
“The paabot should extend after Christmastime for the same ‘humanitarian consideration’,” the group said.
Under the guidelines, Pascua said the handing of the items can only be made during Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“All paabot items will be listed in the official logbook of paabot and deliveries to include the names of the sender and the PDL receiver,” Pascua said.
“The medicine and vitamins will be subjected to the approval of the Directorate for Health Services,” he added.
Aside from items, PDLs can also receive food and money of up to P2,000.
Pascua reminded visitors that they must observe the wearing of masks and face shields, temperature checking, and physical distancing.
