The Plot Thickens

While this writer is not an expert in penology, I know that persons deprived of liberty should be treated with respect for their human dignity. In fact, the more progressive and modern approach in the management of penal institutions should be rehabilitative rather than punitive. As events in the National penitentiary continue to unfold, the facts as reported by print and broadcast media shocks the public’s sensitivity about how inmates are treated.

The Office of the Solicitor General disowns knowledge of alleged tunnel and digging, the construction of diving pools, and treasure hunting going on inside the prison cells, not to mention the high mortality rate and the dehumanizing treatment of the inmates, and abuses against the staff. This, however, is no longer the time for finger pointing- it is the time to act more decisively. Investigation of these reported, incredulous irregularities should be intensified to pinpoint responsibility for these abuses and to make them accountable before the law. An urgent need to revolutionize our penal management can no longer be ignored, if we are to create an environment conducive to rehabilitation. We can no longer turn a blind eye on what is so openly contemptible.

We realize this is a tall order and it is not an easy task to do, but it is a good time as any to start at least to humanize and democratize the way we run things, in a place where we deal with people who have very special needs not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Persons deprived of liberty should be given an environment which regains their personal dignity and worth in their long and difficult journey to rehabilitation.

TRIVIA:

I wish to extend my sympathies, together with my wife Minda and family, to the Amador family on the untimely demise of JOJO AMADOR, who belongs to the prominent Amador family of Milaor, and who is an ardent reader of this column.

Deepest condolences as well to the families of MRS TERESITA PALACIO SEMANIA, spouse of the late LOPE SEMANA who was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and leading medical practitioner, and MRS FRANCIA MANZANO BADIOLA, our kumadre and the wife of the late Director ADOLFO BADIOLA.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“NO ONE KNOWS A NATION UNTIL ONE HAS GONE INSIDE ITS JAILS. A NATION SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED BY HOW IT TREATS ITS HIGHEST CITIZENS BUT ITS LOWEST ONES” -NELSON MANDELA

FOR OUR WORLD OF LIFE:

“AND GOD CREATED MANKIND IN HIS OWN IMAGE. -GENESIS 1:27