Behind Those Rusty Bars

From inside the jail.

The City Health Office tapped us yesterday morning to perform a physical examination among the convicts who will be transported to a bigger jail in Davao City. They were proven guilty of their charges, hence, the transfer. Among them was Amir (not his real name), who was allegedly charged with carnapping. I did some little chit-chat regarding his case while listening to his lungs and heart, taking his BP and in between asking health-related questions. Apparently, he was accused along with a companion who was killed by the plaintiff's camp. He's been here for two years already. He's married with four children, the eldest being seventeen, under the care of their mother at a certain province in Lanao del Sur. His family seldom visits him probably due to the distance. I asked if they are informed of his transfer, he bowed and shake his head. Tears welled up in his eyes trying not to break down, I asked something else to prevent him from being emotional. The expression on his face pierced my heart, as if he has been forgotten due to the shame and humiliation he brought to the family the moment he stepped inside the jail. He's going to suffer for the next seventeen years of his life behind the bars at a place hundred miles away from his loved ones. I cannot imagine the excruciating pain his family experiences with his absence. Such mishap will forever mark in their hearts. 

While it is good that justice is being served, we should be reminded that criminals are human beings too who should enjoy equal rights. If not for psychiatric condition, they must have done the act due to excessive need such as poverty. I hope the victims are vindicated now and may the criminal serve as an example to the rest of the members of his family they they must not emulate.

(L-R): Abby, Ate Agnes, Dr. Glenn Manarpaac, Sheng, Jhalil. Me at the back.
Taken at the Office of the Warden