Saturday, June 29, 2019

Iwahig Penal Colony, Palawan

Another late post, photos taken last December 2018 when our friend from UP Narra dorm, Pidro Sing, hosted us. Iwahig is also known as the "jail/prison without walls", prisoners are free to walk around, do various work while serving their jail time for not-so-grave crimes. Below, the administration building.


National hero Dr. Jose Rizal is prominent in the area. It's in front of the open space then the admin building.


The main function hall. It's huge and spacious. Close when we went there though. I think the facility's top officials, local governments, other influential politicians can have a big function or party there.


A small basketball area plus mini-palengke. Prisoners and their families can buy and sell there.


Opposite view from Rizal's monument, this view from the admin building area.


Wide rice fields attended by the prisoners. They produce their own food and earn extra. I saw many prisoners walking around, they are mostly old, average age would be 50+. A person who has been sent here for jail time would be in a dilemma somehow. Staying here for many years, he has freedom to walk around, work and earn some money, have a family, there is public school for the kids and a basic health center for everyone (but not a full and equipped hospital). But the original family and friends are nowhere to see or hardly communicate as this place is hard to reach unless one has a car or rent a jeep. Would he still wish to get out and have full freedom outside the colony, and face the uncertainties of life?


I did not interview any prisoner but I think some will say Yes, others will say No.
Anyway, Ding Aguila here composing his own camera shot.


Thanks again, Pidro.

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