The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently reported that the health conditions of foreigners detained in a detention center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, are concerning. To date, 363 detainees have been sent to hospitals for various diseases, among which two have unfortunately died due to complications from pre-existing conditions.
Urgent medical needs for pregnant women, hypertension, and mental illness patients
Among the 34 key medical attention cases, there are six pregnant women, one of whom is seven months pregnant. The group of pregnant women consists of three Chinese nationals, two Vietnamese, and one Burmese woman. Additionally, other sick individuals include:
Five people with hypertension
Three diagnosed with mental illnesses
Two confirmed cases of diabetes
Two receiving treatment for skin diseases
Four requiring surgery, among them one with a spinal injury and another one with a fractured foot
Risk of infectious diseases increases, several detainees diagnosed with severe illnesses
Beyond the aforementioned cases, there are several detainees in the center suffering from abdominal pain, appendicitis, asthma, hepatitis B, HIV, and tuberculosis. Among them, a Taiwanese national has been diagnosed with HIV, and two Chinese citizens have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, raising concerns about the spread of diseases.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio stated that the agency regularly conducts health checks for detainees and implements necessary medical isolation measures to prevent the spread of epidemics. He emphasized that those diagnosed with infectious diseases have been isolated to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Additionally, for patients with severe conditions requiring urgent treatment, if they can afford the medical expenses, they are sent to private hospitals and are guarded by PAOCC, the Bureau of Prisons, and private security personnel.
"Sun Plaza" turns into "Sunshine Prison," poor conditions spark concern
It is noteworthy that the detention facility is the very "Sun Plaza" that was raided at the end of 2023 due to illegal gambling activities. Now, this building has been converted into a detention facility, and due to its poor environment and unsanitary conditions, it is sarcastically referred to as the "Sunshine Prison".
As health issues continue to be exposed, the public has raised concerns about the management and medical capabilities of the detention center. Public opinion is closely monitoring the situation, urging the Philippine government to take swift action to improve the health and living conditions of the detainees.
