Manila: The Bureau of Corrections announced on Thursday that myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, has overtaken tuberculosis (TB) as the leading cause of death among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). This shift marks a significant change in health trends within the prison system, where TB has long been considered a major threat due to overcrowded conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) spanning from 2022 to 2025 indicates that there were 445 deaths attributed to heart attacks, compared to 59 deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis. This data reflects a notable shift in health concerns within prison facilities.
In a report submitted to BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., CT/CSupt. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, Director for Health and Welfare Services, noted that while TB remains a significant health concern in all operating prison and penal farms (OPPFs) due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, other respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia (234 cases) and acute respiratory failure (71) have become more prevalent causes of mortality.
The report further highlighted other leading causes of death at the national penitentiary, which include cerebrovascular accident (65 cases), chronic kidney disease (61), electrolyte imbalance (43), sepsis (40), congestive heart failure (35), and anemia (19).
Villanueva emphasized that BuCor continues to actively manage tuberculosis through established programs and services, implemented in collaboration with government and non-government organizations. These initiatives aim to treat and prevent the spread of TB within BuCor facilities.
BuCor has implemented various TB-related programs, including TB screening for all newly committed PDLs at Reception and Diagnostic Centers (RDC), regular TB mass screening or active case finding, health education sessions on TB prevention and management, provision of anti-TB medicines, vitamins, and nutritional supplements, as well as regular monitoring and training by health officers of the Tuberculosis Treatment Unit.
