Transforming Lives: How a Humane Approach to Incarceration is Alleviating Chronic Overcrowding in Philippines Prisons
At Manila City Jail in the Philippines capital, prisoners sleep in tight rows without beds or mattresses due to severe overcrowding. In dormitory number 4, inmates lie on their sides, using each other as pillows in the humid environment. Carlo, detained and awaiting trial for six years, told UN News about the discomfort but added that he has adapted over time.
Originally built in 1847 during the Spanish colonial period, Manila City Jail was designed for under 1,200 prisoners but now houses about 3,200, a 168% overcapacity rate. Despite efforts by Warden Lino Montano Soriano to reduce the prison population, progress is slow. In March 2024, 288 prisoners were admitted while 354 were released.
The overcrowding issue is linked significantly to a controversial anti-drug policy that increased the prison population from around 95,000 to over 165,000 between 2015 and 2021. This has made the Philippines’ prison system one of the most congested globally. Many detainees endure lengthy pre-trial detentions.
Justice Maria Filomena Singh of the Supreme Court is committed to decongesting prisons, especially women’s jails, by fast-tracking the release of those aged 70 and above, as well as employing innovative programs like “Read Your Way Out.” Reducing pre-trial detention and prioritizing incarceration for serious offenses are also key strategies.
Around 70% of incarcerated people are awaiting trial, prompting efforts to reduce bail amounts and implement online court appearances to speed up justice. The prior administration’s punitive war on drugs resulted in many minor drug offenders filling the jails.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime supports these reform initiatives, emphasizing that drug issues should also be addressed from a health perspective. This holistic approach has led to the release of around 8,000 prisoners in the past year. Carlo expresses hope for his release, yearning for the life he once had outside.
Original Story https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2024/07/1152051
Category :
Tags:
