DOJ-UP-UNODC strengthen investigation procedures on PDL deaths inside prison facilities

11 July 2024

The Department of Justice (DOJ), University of the Philippines (UP) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signified their cooperation to enhance the investigation process on the deaths of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

This manifestation was forged among the three organizations with the ceremonial signing today of the Declaration of Cooperation to ‘Strengthen Procedures to Investigate Custodial Deaths of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)’.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee and UNODC Programme Office in the Philippines Country Manager Daniele Marchesi spearheaded the signing for their respective institutions.

In cognizance of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, otherwise known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules,” this Declaration ensures that the management of prison facilities under the DOJ will be in accordance with international standards, good practices and competitive medical forensic expertise.

Under the Declaration, the parties acknowledge the importance of the 2016 Revised United Nations Manual on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions, also known as the Minnesota Protocol, to serve as a guiding document for the investigation of custodial deaths.

The DOJ which had been committed to thoroughly investigate the deaths of PDLs under BuCor custody in accordance with international standards and good practices shall ensure the immediate transport in an appropriate and timely manner the PDL human remains who died within BuCor facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR) including Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) to the designated facilities of the UP Medicine that facilitates a high standard of autopsies and death investigation.

Meanwhile, UP which undertakes to provide technical expertise in the determination of the same shall carry out autopsies on the bodies of deceased PDLs in accordance with international standards, among others.

UNODC, on the other hand, will provide vital technical assistance and normative support to assure collaborative efforts are maintained.

“Our collaborative efforts with UP and the UNODC will be vital in ensuring that even our dead PDLs will be given justice, dignity, humane treatment and respect,” Secretary Remulla emphasized.

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