CPDRC detainees from 5th district reunite with families

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 150 inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center from the fifth district of the Province of Cebu were visited by their families over the weekend.

 The office of fifth district Provincial Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, in close partnership with the University of San Carlos-Psychology Department and Community Extension Services, conceptualized the “Bisita Prisohan”: a family development project” that bridges detainees and their loved ones to compliment the goal of CPDRC to rehabilitate and reintegrate the detainees to society as productive citizens.

 “Regardless if they are inside the cell, these people deserve the same amount of love as we do,” said Magpale.

 Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was also present during the activity held last Sunday at the CPDRC.

  One detainee, Clay Noval, from Jubay, Liloan has been detained for more than five years in CPDRC for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. His wife recently died from ectopic pregnancy and they just lost their house to a fire.

PB Magpale shared that Noval’s children were emotional upon learning that they can finally visit their detained father.

 “Upon meeting his children, they all cried and hugged each other. Similarly, other families of the inmates were full of happiness and gratitude as they got to meet their loved ones in jail,” he said.

 Detainees from Liloan, Compostela, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod and Borbon also benefited from the project.

 PB Magpale said the family is recognized as a crucial support system in the process of rehabilitating the detainees toward social re-integration.— (FREEMAN)