Since the outbreak of the Covid19, we in the PRESO Inc launched the Community Bail Bond Program. As of September 2020, we have now released 24 Persons Deprived of Liberty and 1 Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL). Fourteen of the participants were released on bail, 2 were released on recognizance, 1 on probation, and 8 had their cases dismissed. The bail ranged from PhP 2,000 to Php 100,000 pesos. One of the participants had stayed in jail for 8 years while undergoing trial. He is still presumed innocent. We are also processing the release of at least 20 PDLs and 10 CICLs. Due to lockdowns and work from home arrangements, it is quite a challenge to speed up their releases.
Of those released, four had been referred to our partner organization, the El Proveedores Foundation, for livelihood assistance. They received financial assistance of PhP 5,000 each. Three other participants received medical, mental, educational and childbirth support. Four other participants are expected to receive micro-financing.
All 25 participants released are monitored and supervised. We make sure that they attend court hearings and do not engage in re offending. Our legal partner, the IDEALS Foundation, provides support during online hearings.
Thus far, we have now saved the government at least PhP 120,000 pesos on food costs. This savings will grow as more PDLs and CICLs are released in jail and detention facilities.
For those who wish to help, we have created this crowdfunding campaign.
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