For its 249 inmates, the oft-recognized jail of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) near the scenic Bonuan Tondaligan beach area in Barangay Bonuan Gueset, is home.
Being locked up for alleged offenses is itself a punishment. But the inmates here feel otherwise, thanks to the humane treatment they get from the jail guards under the stewardship of Senior Inspector Roque Constantino Sison III.
Stepping into the jail compound, a visitor hears a cell leader shouting "Mga kasama, bigyan pugay natin ang ating bisita (My colleagues, let us pay respects to our visitor)," prompting the inmates to chorus "Good afternoon, visitor."
Even the detainees entertaining their family members in the visiting area join in the greeting.
Indeed, Sison has instilled love, respect, understanding, and sharing among the wards of the 3,000-square meter jail built during the administration of Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. in 1999.
Perhaps, this explains why there have been no jailbreaks nor riots under Sison’s helm.
"We treat them as human beings and in the same manner, they behave properly," said Sison, who was named the best city jail warden regionwide and nationwide in 2005 and 2003, respectively.
Sison said he is proud that during his stint, which began in August 2001, he was able to make the city jail recognized as Best City Jail nationwide for three consecutive years starting in 2002.
While waiting for the court’s decision in their cases, the inmates — 224 males, 18 females, and seven minors — are engaged in various livelihood projects, enabling them to earn extra cash for their personal needs or to be sent home to their families.
With the help of various organizations, the inmates earn money folding newspapers and other printing press materials, making paper maché products like bags, flower vases, boxes and tissue holders, and for the female and gay inmates, practicing cosmetology, deboning bangus, and making pizzas and burgers.
They also operate their own sari-sari store through a cooperative. Each cell gets a dividend of P2,000 every month from the store’s operations.
During their spare time, the inmates sing along with their videoke machine, watch television or get involved in various sports activities.
Spouses Perla and Tylore Dignadice, who are facing charges of estafa and illegal recruitment, said they are full of spirituality inside the jail.
"The best thing that ever happened to me which I would never exchange for anything is that I found the Lord here," said Perla, who has been in jail for the past three years.
Perla, who is turning 40 next month, said she is thankful to Sison for helping her and her fellow inmates become spiritual with the help of several religious groups whose members "are feeding (us) daily with the word of God."
"Maayos kami dito (We are okay here). I will leave my heart here when I’m already out," she said.
Perla’s husband, Tylore, 40, a former factory supervisor in South Korea, said the inmates treat each other "as one big happy family"
"May pakikisama, respeto, pagmamahal dito (There is camaraderie, respect and love here)," he said.
Tylore said he was able to harness his talents while in jail by painting murals on the jail’s fences.
In recognition of Sison’s good performance as jail warden, councilor Farah Marie Decano is sponsoring a resolution in their next session on Monday commending him and urging Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes to consider his meritorious achievements for evaluation and proper commendation.