An-Najah News -  

The Philippines released 21,858 prisoners as part of its efforts to reduce overcrowding in overcrowded prisons in the country, and to avoid the transmission of Covid-19 infection between prisoners.

Philippine Home Secretary Ano said 21,858 of what so-called “deprived of their freedom” were released from March 17 to July 13, in 470 prisons across the country, under the supervision of administration and reform bureau.

He added in a statement that his administration is also taking measures to ease the crowding inside prisons, such as improving and establishing more prison facilities and speeding up the court sessions for people who are deprived of their liberty.

The Philippines has recorded 70,764 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 1,837 deaths.