Two inmates at the New Bilibid Prison had died due to diarrhea outbreak that started last May 26, the Department of Justice said Thursday.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II reported that the two inmates died due to hypovolemic shock and type 2 diabetes. Prison authorities have yet to reveal the names of the inmates pending notification of their relatives.
The DoJ has already distributed 1,008 IV fluids and 50,000 Aquatabs to the NBP courtesy of the Department of Health.
Health authorities are still investigating whether the outbreak was due to food poisoning or contaminated drinking water. “The caterer already denied that it was the milkfish and pointed at the possible contaminated drinking water but we are still looking into it,” Aguirre said.
“We wish to reassure the public, particularly the families of the inmates who are down with diarrhea that we are addressing the problem. The health and the welfare of our inmates, under the present circumstances, are paramount,” Aguirre added.
The Justice secretary said that persons or parties who will be found responsible for the outbreak will be held accountable.
Bureau of Corrections Director Benjamin delos Santos said NBP authorities are coordinating with the leaders of each brigade of inmates to ensure cleanliness and prevent the spread of diarrhea.
Earlier, Aguirre said the diarrhea outbreak was concentrated at the maximum-security compound of the NBP.