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  3. CBD on the Situation of Women and Elderly Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at Cabadbaran City District Jail (CARAGA Region/Region XIII)

Community-based Dialogues Project (CBD)
CBD on the Situation of Women and Elderly Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at Cabadbaran City District Jail (CARAGA Region/Region XIII)

The half-day face-to-face activity was able to achieve its objectives, viz: (1) Document human rights issues and lived experience of PDLs; (2) Provide space for the elderly in detention to discuss their experiences on (a) their situation during detention; (b) their security and protection from all forms of violence; (c) access to health services; (d) needs for family contact, including children; and (3) Monitor the government’s compliance with its obligation with respect to elderly in detention and to draft corresponding recommendations.

CHR

The activity, which was organized by CHR-Caraga in cooperation with HSF, was attended by thirty-five (35) participants coming from CHR-Caraga led by its Regional Director, Atty. Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos; Cabadbaran City District Jail/Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) led by District Jail Warden and Chief Jail Inspector, Melba Balmori; an optometrist and her assistant; and Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany (HSF), among others.

For the Welcome Message, Atty. A.L. Cembrano-Ramos noted that the information shared during the dialogue will be treated as confidential and will be used to determine possible actions on concerns/problems raised, if any.  She encouraged the detainees to actively participate in the dialogue and be open to share their “stories.”  She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the detainees for their presence and participation in the activity as well as the partners – HSF for the invaluable support, the BJMP for trusting the CHR, as well as individuals and groups from the private sector for their contributions.

CHR-Caraga lawyers led the discussions.  Atty. Reshiel Caseñas gave a presentation on the “Rights of the Elderly” which was followed by the dialogue facilitated by Atty. Joyce Ann Adlawan.  They expounded on the benefits and requirements as provided in the law and responded to queries from the detainees.

For the Closing Program, Chief Jail Warden M. Balmori also expressed her sincere gratitude to the CHR-Caraga, the HSF and the optometrist.  She looks forward to engaging other groups to provide livelihood opportunities to PDLs.  The detainees were able to sell some of their products to the group (e.g., pot holders, pouches).  She handed out Certificates of Appreciation to the representatives of partner agencies.  A group photo with the PDLs capped the activity. 

It was a good opportunity to hold a dialogue with persons deprived of liberty (PDL), especially elderly/senior citizens, and look at their situation in detention and hear their concerns and experiences, first hand.  The activity was held at a makeshift tent that was set up at the corridor beside the jail.  Of the 20 PDLs who were present, most of whom are elderly, 8 are female detainees and 12 are males including a foreigner.  For the self-introductions, the detainees shared their name, number of years in detention, and crime/offense committed.  It should be noted that prior to sharing their personal circumstances, they were asked to give their consent by signing a consent form.  Before the end of the dialogue, a female detainee announced that she already received her release papers which was taken as a positive development.

Overall, the HSF representative observed that the detainees are given appropriate care and treatment while in detention.

 

 

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