Surviving Overcrowding: The Genius Strategy of Manila City Jail Inmates!

Summary

Manila City Jail in the Philippines is one of the world’s most overcrowded prisons, housing over 5,600 inmates in a facility designed for just 1,100. The situation escalated after the government's war on drugs in 2016. Despite the severe overcrowding, the prison employs unique self-governance systems to maintain order, with inmates taking on leadership roles within each block. Inmates engage in various activities like sports and arts to relieve stress, but face harsh conditions, including limited food and insufficient staff. This documentary highlights the daily struggles of the prisoners and explores the broader social and political issues behind the overcrowding.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Manila City Jail is one of the most overcrowded prisons in the world, with a population that exceeds its capacity by six times, resulting in cramped living conditions for inmates.
• 😀 The overcrowding crisis began after the Philippines' government declared a 'War on Drugs' in 2016, leading to mass arrests of drug users and traffickers.
• 😀 Although the prison's facilities are severely congested, inmates are allowed to roam freely during the day, playing sports and engaging in other activities, which helps alleviate some of the stress.
• 😀 At night, when inmates return to their dormitories, overcrowding becomes highly evident as sleeping quarters originally designed for 100 people are now shared by 500-600 inmates.
• 😀 The number of prison guards is grossly insufficient, with fewer than 20 staff members overseeing nearly 6,000 inmates, which has led to the implementation of self-governance and mutual control among inmates.
• 😀 Inmates are divided into houses, each with appointed leaders and coordinators, who help manage daily life, including finances, welfare programs, and behavioral development.
• 😀 The prison allows inmates to watch television, with certain restrictions on programs involving sexual content or jailbreaks, while some also participate in arcade games or karaoke for stress relief.
• 😀 Food provided in the prison is basic, with a limited budget of 30 cents per meal per person, and inmates often have to eat in cramped spaces due to lack of proper dining facilities.
• 😀 Many of the inmates in Manila City Jail were arrested under dubious circumstances, with some claiming they were falsely implicated in drug-related offenses or were victims of extrajudicial killings.
• 😀 Manila City Jail also houses nearly 400 members of the LGBTQ community, who form supportive groups and provide services such as manicures to fellow inmates, earning income in the process.
• 😀 Despite the difficult and overcrowded conditions, inmates in Manila City Jail generally hope for freedom, with some looking forward to simple pleasures like eating pizza and reconnecting with family.

Q & A

What caused the overcrowding in Manila City Jail?

The overcrowding in Manila City Jail was primarily caused by the Philippines government's war on drug trafficking in 2016, which led to the mass arrest and confinement of both drug dealers and users.

How much does the inmate population exceed the prison's intended capacity?

The inmate population exceeds the intended capacity of the prison by six times, with over 5,600 inmates, while the ideal capacity is 1,100.

What unique management strategies are implemented to control the overcrowded prison?

The prison uses self-governance and mutual control among the inmates themselves, with appointed leaders, coordinators, and finance departments to help maintain order and manage daily activities.

How do inmates manage their daily lives amidst the overcrowding?

During the day, inmates are free to engage in activities such as playing basketball, chatting, or relaxing in open spaces. However, at night, overcrowding becomes more evident as they return to their packed sleeping quarters.

How is the security maintained in the prison despite the shortage of staff?

Security is maintained through a combination of walls, closed-circuit cameras, and manual locks, with a heavy reliance on self-regulation among inmates due to the small number of guards (fewer than 20 for over 5,600 inmates).

What is the role of the inmates in the prison's governance?

Inmates play an active role in the prison's governance, with each house having coordinators and leaders who assist in supervision, welfare, and development programs. They also manage finances within their houses to fund activities.

Why are certain television programs prohibited in the prison?

Certain programs, particularly those involving prison breakouts or sexual content, are prohibited to maintain security and prevent any potential incitement to unrest or escape attempts.

How do inmates in Manila City Jail generate additional income?

Inmates can generate extra income by offering services such as manicures or other personal care services, which they provide to fellow inmates or visitors.

How is food provided in Manila City Jail and what are the conditions?

Food is provided with a limited budget of 30 cents per meal per inmate, and while the meals are basic—typically rice, vegetable soup, and small fish—they are considered adequate for survival but not enjoyable.

What is the situation regarding extrajudicial killings and wrongful arrests?

Extrajudicial killings continue under President Duterte's war on drugs, with many inmates claiming they were wrongfully arrested or falsely implicated in drug-related crimes. Some of them have no connection to drugs but were mistakenly identified or set up by the police.