Heart attacks now leading cause of death in Philippine prisons, says BuCor

Tuberculosis is no longer the top killer in Philippine prisons. The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) revealed that heart attacks have now overtaken TB as the leading cause of death among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In a report submitted to BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., the Health and Welfare Services said 445 inmates died from acute myocardial infraction or heart attack between 2022 and 2025.

Although tuberculosis remains a major health concern due to overcrowding and poor ventilation in all prison facilities and penal farms, data shows a growing number of fatalities from other severe illnesses, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

At the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) alone, the report recorded 234 deaths due to pneumonia, 71 from acute respiratory failure, 65 from cerebrovascular accidents or strokes, and 61 from chronic kidney disease.

"Tuberculosis remains a significant health challenge, but cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are now causing more deaths inside our facilities," said Chief Superintendent Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, BuCor's Director for Health and Welfare Services.

To address TB, BuCor continues to implement health programs in partnership with the Department of Health, including mandatory screening for new inmates, regular mass screenings, health education, distribution of medicines and supplements, nutritional monitoring, and staff training.

BuCor stressed that these findings will help improve ongoing health interventions as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions inside prisons continue to worsen the risk of life-threatening diseases among inmates.