2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 47 Panahon ng COVID. It has also consulted government agencies, such as the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the CHR. 148 According to the IATF-EID Guidelines, older persons may cross borders for medical and MGCQ, crossing borders will be allowed for any purpose other than leisure. They may enter commercial establishments especially those providing essential goods and services, engage in non-contact sports and other forms of exercise, provided minimum health standards are observed. 149 The DILG’s Memorandum Circular also mandates the Offices of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCAs) to set up hotlines and help desks for queries and complaints of older persons, proactively monitor older persons at risk for violence and abuse and ensure suspected or alleged incidents are reported to the Department of Justice, the Public Attorney’s Office, and/or the CHR. The OSCAs are also mandated to maintain a database of older persons with information on their risk factors concerning COVID-19 and the restrictive but necessary measures being implemented to curb it. Lastly, LGUs are mandated to designate the OSCAs to be included in the respective “LGU Task Force Against COVID-19,” which will ensure that older persons are represented in the strategizing and planning of the LGU in responding to the crisis.199 Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic 150 In the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Situation Report submitted by CHR Region X, the situationer noted that the region faces challenges on how to keep its jail cells COVID-19 free vis-à-vis their high congestion rate. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) implemented the strict quarantine of new PDLs and PDLs who have attended hearings. 151 BJMP has likewise suspended the visitation privileges of the PDLs but provided access to video calls through E-Dalaw. CHR Region X Office was able to assist 61 PDLs in the form of formal communication, Zoom [online meeting platform] conference, guidance and counselling, legal matters, and follow-ups on the status of their cases. The office has also allocated funds for the purchase of electronic gadgets and pocket wifi for the conduct of E-Dalaw in provincial detention and rehabilitation centers (PDRC) as no facility currently has E-Dalaw at the moment. The only drawback is the intermittent internet coverage in these areas. 152 CHR Region XI also docketed a complaint on congestion in jail cells. On 14 September 2020, the regional office received information on the alleged congestion of PDLs in Sta. Ana Police Station in Davao City from a certain lawyer. A Quick Response Operation was then conducted. According to PMaj Carol Habagat of Sta. Ana Police, the suspension of all trial court judges from ordering the transfer of convicted persons from the detention cells of the BJMP to the jail facilities of the Bureau of Corrections was a factor in causing congestion of Persons Under Police Custody (PUPC). 153 To address the congestion, Sta. Police Station coordinated with the PNP Regional Office for the opening of their Agdao Outpost to be used as a temporary facility for their PUPCs. 199 Commission on Human Rights. (2020, August 19). Statement of Commissioner Karen S. Gomez Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on the Human Rights of Older Persons, on the Issuance of the DILG Memorandum Circular on the Mobility of Older Persons in Quarantine Situations. Retrieved from Commission on Human Rights: https://chr.gov. ph/statement-of-commissioner-karen-s-gomez-dumpit-focal-commissioner-on-the-human-rights-of-older-personson-the-issuance-of-the-dilg-memorandum-circular-on-the-mobility-of-older-persons-in-quarantine/.