A Philippine Human Rights NGO providing Psychosocial Services and Rehabilitation to Internally Displaced Persons and Survivors of Torture and Organized Violence.

Poor Prison Conditions Bring Psychological Distress

A team of Balay staff and partners from human rights organizations went to different jails in Luzon and Mindanao to check on the conditions of political prisoners and to provide immediate relief to the inmates. From October to December, the team was able to meet 73 detainees in 14 detention centers in Luzon. In Mindanao, they were able to visit 10 detention centers where 42 alleged political dissenters are being kept in Regions 11 and 12.

Records from the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) showed that more than 200 persons all over the country have been put to jail due to political circumstances. Though all of them have been labeled by authorities as members or sympathizers of dissident groups fighting the government, practically all of them are serving time for charges of common crimes instead of political offenses. Not a few of them have also complained of being subjected to various forms of torture due to the government's campaign against terrorism.

The results of the jail visits reveal a situation common to most detainees which contributes to their psychological distress. Inmates are seldom seen by their relatives due to distance and prohibitive travel cost. They hardly get updates on the status of their cases for lack of legal counsel, or due to limited time given to lawyers when they go to jail. They lack money to pay for legal services. The court processes are very slow. Their inability to support their kids and family serves as constant source of anxiety.

Prison conditions are poor. Food and water are scarce. The prison cells are overcrowded. Most of the jails have poor ventilation system. Prisoners are vulnerable to illness, particularly skin allergies. When an inmate is ill, they have to contend with poor medical facilities in prison. It is very rarely that they get prompt medical attention and assistance. To cope with situation, they indulge in sports and other activities inside. Because political detainees are regarded highly by their co-inmates, some were given responsibilities as leaders in their respective prison quarters.

Before the Christmas holidays in December, BALAY and its partner organizations delivered grocery items, toiletries, and clothing to the political prisoners. The occasion also served as a reunion for the families, children and friends of the political prisoners. The detainees welcomed their visitors who listened and demonstrated their concern for them.