Appraisal of The Intervention Programs For High Profile Inmates in The Philippines
Appraisal of The Intervention Programs For High Profile Inmates in The Philippines
Appraisal of The Intervention Programs For High Profile Inmates in The Philippines
JEZREEL B. VICENTE, PhD Faculty, School of Criminal Justice & Public Safety University of
Baguio, Baguio City, Philippines
ABSTRACT: This study on the assessment of the intervention programs of the Special Intensive Care
Area (SICA) aimed to determine the degree of implementation and the common problems
encountered in the implementation of the intervention programs for the violent extremist inmates in
the same correctional facility. This study was participated by 55 SICA personnel, 205 SICA VEIs, and
25 SICA visitors totaling to 285 respondents. This study made of the mixed methods combining
quantitative and qualitative approaches of research but descriptive in nature. This study was
conducted in June to October 2018 at SICA, Camp Bagong, Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City. It was found
out that the SICA personnel and the VEIs relatives/visitors similarly perceived that the SICA
intervention programs are “very highly implemented” as shown in the area means of 3.58 and 3.59
respectively while on the other hand, the VEIs perceived that these intervention programs are “highly
implemented” as shown in the area mean of 3.04. The computed F-ratio of 2.020 is less than the
tabled F-ratio of 4.260 at 5 percent level of significance, thus, the null hypothesis is accepted. As to
the challenges encountered in the implementation of the SICA intervention programs includes the
insufficient fund for the programs on ALS and livelihood activities and insufficient number of SICA
personnel, non-sustainability of intervention programs, conduct of simple and suited ALS for inmates;
interruptions of ALS implementation, and rare dialogue between personnel and inmates. It was found
out that only selected intervention programs are implemented; On the other hand, the
relatives/visitors of the inmates has limited knowledge on what are the intervention programs and
how these programs are implemented; the Alternative Learning System or ALS was perceived to be
the most important intervention programs among those that are implemented inside the SICA. As
perceived by the participants, the ALS needs enhancement as a tool for deradicalization of the Violent
Extremist Inmates. Thus, the following are recommended: the ALS program should be strengthened
by partnering SICA with a certain school that will draft a program of instructions based on the needs
of the inmates; the religious activities inside the SICA must be maintained in order to continuously
build the foundation of the spiritual being of the inmates regardless of religious affiliations; the
sports and recreational activities should be conducted regularly in order to build friendship and
camaraderie between and among personnel and co-inmates; the livelihood program should be
implemented in a way that the working inmates can earn to help themselves and their respective
families; and to adopt the Literacy De-radicalization Program based on the major findings of this
study. This program would augment the Alternative Learning System of the SICA in a form of
practically addressing the literacy of the selected inmates.
KEYWORDS: Special Intensive Care Area, intervention program, alternative learning system, literacy
de-radicalization program, violent extremist inmates, bureau of jail management and penology,
Republic Act 6975
INTRODUCTION
Violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN). It
undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or
region is immune from its impacts ... Violent extremism is a diverse phenomenon, without
clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of
belief ... Definitions of "terrorism" and "violent extremism" are the prerogative of Member
States and must be consistent with their obligations under international law, in particular
international human rights law ... Violent extremism undermines our collective efforts
towards maintaining peace and security, fostering sustainable development, protecting
human rights, promoting the rule of law and taking humanitarian action.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) was established as a line bureau of
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) by virtue of Republic Act 6975
which took effect on January 02, 1991. The BJMP is mandated to direct, supervise and
control administration and operation of all district, city and municipal jails nationwide. Jails
are facilities located in provinces, cities and municipalities used to confine offenders who
received short term sentences or sentence of three years and below and individuals
awaiting trial and final judgment. A district jail is a cluster of small jails with less population
located within the vicinity of the court. Jail clustering is a strategy which has been adopted
by the bureau to save on administrative and operational expenses.
The BJMP has clear and comprehensive statements of objectives in undertaking its legal
mandate which includes the explicit adoption of the norms, standards and principles
captured in the UN conventions/treaties and instruments. These objectives are as follows:
(1) improve the living conditions of offenders in accordance with accepted standards; (2)
enhance the rehabilitation and reformation of offenders in preparation for their eventual
reintegration to the mainstream of society upon release; and (3) to provide and develop
professionalized jail services
Intervention programs for VEIs are created by correctional facilities by all nations in the
entire world. These intervention programs are intended to restore an inmate’s normal life in
the community by being a responsible citizen in a society/community. All prisons and jails
have the purpose of securing the community by incarcerating the criminals but providing
them services that would possibly change their life after service of sentence.
Across the world, intervention services are playing an increasingly pivotal role in preventing
and countering the spread of violent extremism and terrorism. As the number of criminal
prosecutions and convictions of terrorism offenders increases, including as a result of
returning foreign terrorist fighters, prison services operate on the frontlines of the
counterterrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) challenge. They carry
responsibility for managing the potential risks posed by violent extremist inmates (VEIs) and
for preventing the radicalization and recruitment to violent extremism of other inmates
(Cole, 2016).
The Global Center developed the Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons (CVE-P) Program,
which encompasses a series of targeted trainings, technical assistance, and ongoing support
to prison authorities, to improve the management of VEOs and to effectively identify and
address radicalization and recruitment to violent extremism in prisons. Established in 2015
in cooperation with the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s Detention and Reintegration Work
Group, the program is founded on the latest, evolving best practices, knowledge, and
expertise from correctional services around the world. Key thematic areas include the
management of terrorism-related offenders, violent extremism risk identification and
assessment, risk reduction and rehabilitative interventions, prison culture, and multi-
stakeholder engagement. The Global Center draws on an international, multidisciplinary
team of forensic psychologists, former prison officials, CVE practitioners, and academic
experts (Cole, 2016).
The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is the machinery which society uses in the prevention of
crime as well as intervention programs through rehabilitation and reformation services. It
operates by preventing the commission of crimes, and helps in the apprehension,
prosecution, sentencing, and rehabilitation of those who cannot be deterred from violating
the rules of the society. Its pillars are composed of the police, prosecution, court,
corrections, and community. The rehabilitation system is a sub-component of the
corrections pillar (Victor, 2014).
In the Philippines, jails are part of the overall intervention program. They are in fact, penal
institutions. Like other correctional institutions, they hold many prisoners who are serving
sentences; they have a responsibility for their care. In the past, the emphasis of most jails
was on detention. In recent years this tradition role has been redefined and now the courts
and the community in some locales are working to see that their jails develop intervention
and rehabilitative programs (Tradio, 2016).
The Philippine jails are filled to the rafters. The sheer number of offenders confined in jails
and prisons have risen despite the lackadaisical performance of the country’s law enforcers,
prosecutors, courts simply because the sheer volume of crime has reached alarming
proportions (Foronda, 2017).
The intervention programs, however, only about 5 percent of national prisoners were
enrolled in educational programs of the BJMP and BuCOR because of lack of schoolrooms
and teachers. This is a low enrollment figure considering that 78 percent of the inmates are
high school undergraduates (Foronda, 2017). However, not all the intervention and
development programs are applicable inside the SICA due to the nature and profile of
inmates. Though some rehabilitation/development programs are applicable such as
education and sports related programs.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution in Section 19, Article III, mandates that the punishment to
be imposed upon a convicted accused should not go beyond the borders of humanity. Thus,
excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhumane punishment be
inflicted. The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any
inmate or the use of sub-standard or inadequate penal facilities under sub-human
conditions shall be dealt with by law (De Leon, 2015).
The intervention goal of correction has been criticized as unjust on two principal grounds:
(1) individualized (2) predictive restraint. If a sentence is seen as instrument of treatment,
then the amount of punishment require depends on the individual offender’s need, rather
than character of the crime. It is therefore likely that two people who have committed the
same crime will have different levels of treatment. Under the rehabilitation model,
predictive restrained centers on the fact that correctional officials are given discretion to
determine when it is possible for a prisoner’s future behavior to be free of crime. Such
predictions are looked upon as unjust because in the absence of methods that would permit
accurate predictions, persons who will nor repent their offenses are often held longer than
is necessary in jail (Foronda, 2016).
would help inmates in their everyday life and (3) lack of programs on literacy classes for
inmates. These problems accordingly are serious but did not hinder the implementation of
the rehabilitation programs.
Prisoners should be allowed to pray, to read approved religious books and to meet other
relevant requirements, e.g. those related to diet and hygiene. The VEIs of the same religion
may be allowed to gather to celebrate special days or collectively worship, taking into
account individual risk assessments. Appropriate facilities, such as prayer rooms, should be
provided. Prisoners should also have the opportunity, if they so wish, to be visited by
qualified representatives of their own religion in private or in group services.
In order to facilitate the above, prison administrations should establish agreements with
religious denominations, and religious representatives should be properly trained on how to
exercise their functions in a prison environment. The number of religious officials in each
prison should reflect the numbers of prisoners of each faith in that prison. Religious officials
may be hired directly by the prison or prison officials when permitted by law. Alternatively,
respected religious leaders from the local community may be allowed to hold services
within the prison. In any case, prison authorities have the right to screen religious
representatives entering prisons in order to prevent violent extremist views from being
disseminated among prisoners. Some prison administrations have developed competency
profiles to use when selecting spiritual counsellors. All groups and individuals must be
subjected to the same screening and review process.
According to Siegel (2016), in the early twentieth century was a time of contrasts in the
United States prison system. Prison reform groups proposed better intervention programs
for VEIs, an end to harsh corporal punishment, and the creation of meaningful prison
industries and educational programs. Prisoners should not be isolated from society; rather,
the best elements of society – education, religion, meaningful work, self-governance should
be brought to prison. But was opposed by conservative prison administrators and state
officials,who believed that stern discipline was needed to control dangerous prison inmates.
The jail, like SICA serves as gateways to the criminal process. The history of jails in both
England and later in America is a story of neglect, brutality, and debasement. Although jails
have improved substantially in the twentieth century, they are still operated in a manner of
which governments cannot be proud of (Gahar, 2013).
Prisons and SICA like jails are sometimes interchangeably used, basically they are the same
as to their main purposes of establishment. They are both places for restricting liberty or for
detention. Specifically as to the size, jails are usually smaller in areas or structures with cells,
wherein persons under investigation for being suspects in committing crimes or violations,
awaiting trial, undergoing trial, and awaiting promulgation of decisions are being detained.
While, prisons are usually huge or big structures composed of dormitories where convicted
persons are serving sentence of imprisonment or persons awaiting the finality of judgment
or decision on their cases are being detained (Caparas, 2015).
Across the country, prisons have tried different methods to provide intervention programs
for their prisoners and prepare them for a successful release. Many prisons are using
education as a tool for rehabilitation and reformation. For example, prisons now offer
general equivalency diploma accreditation, English as a Second Language studies, and job
readiness training. Some prisons even offer certifications and college credits (Francisco,
2015). This justifies that correction is a system and process for the reformation and
rehabilitation of persons with criminal instinct and tendencies to be transformed into
desirable personalities through development programs while in prison or jail (Marcos,
2015).
help educational and counselling programs. In some prisons, inmates maybe able to work at
different trades to acquire vocational and technical skill. However majority of inmates do
not utilize these rehabilitation-oriented programs because the programs typically are not
compulsory. Instead, prisons often function a long-term warehouse where offenders are
merely housed and forgotten (Cadiz, 1994).
The lifestyle of VEIs was controlled by the principle of least eligibility applied in the society
to all forms of welfare programs. This principle limits the kinds of food, housing, care, and
treatment afforded to inmates to levels common to the poorest, least eligible free citizen. In
short jail conditions were not permitted to exceed bare necessities. Both structurally and in
their internal programs, jails were austere, stark, and uniform, providing minimum caloric
diets and minimum standards of heat, light, education, training and recreation (Nicolas,
1995).
Therefore, considering jails and prisons in the international community, they offer similar
intervention programs for inmates and VEIs in particular but only vary on the strategies used
in the implementation. Intervention programs and services of jails worldwide, generally, is
similar with Philippine’s programs for inmates.
In the Philippines, The BJMP envisions itself as a dynamic institution highly regarded for its
sustained humane safekeeping and development of inmates. This is indeed a very noble
vision which has guided the institution over the last 20 years. With this, the Bureau aims to
enhance public safety by providing humane safekeeping and development of inmates
(Nunez, 1995).
In line with the vision, the Bureau endeavors to formulate policies and guidelines in the
administration of all district, city and municipal jails nationwide, provide for the basic needs
of inmates, and conduct activities for the development of inmates to ultimately improve
their living conditions in accordance with the accepted standards set by the United Nations
(Sannad, 2002).
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, under the Preamble declares that of the major goals of
the government is to establish a more enlightened and humane correctional system. This
will promote the reformation of offenders and reduce the incidence of recidivism. It also
recognizes the fact that the confinement of all offenders in prison and other institutions
with rehabilitation programs constitute an onerous drain on the country’s financial
resources and, accordingly, the need to provide a less costly alternative to the
imprisonment of offenders who are likely to respond to individualized community-based
treatment programs (De Leon, 2015).
Our Constitution provides that any person accused of committing a crime is presumed
innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Thus, a person charged with a crime should
not be denied of his freedom to choose and live at par with other innocent people who are
not incarcerated, unless there is a good reason. In connection to this, the government is a
party to several Geneva Conventions such as the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to
name a few. Our government’s formal commitment to principles of human rights and
international humanitarian law has been translated into various local laws and foremost is
the 1987 Philippine Constitution which has often been referred to as the Human Rights
Constitution. However, in spite of all these international and local laws, the government is
still unable to comply with its obligations because of very limited resources. As a result,
most of our jails are unpleasant and dehumanizing. It dwells stress, boredom and can even
harm the individuals and their visiting families in countless ways (De Leon, 2015).
Philippine jails and prisons are part of the overall correctional program. They are in fact,
penal institutions that are tasked to provide intervention programs for inmates, VEIs are
included. Like other correctional institutions, they hold many prisoners who are serving
sentences; they have a responsibility for their care. In the past, the emphasis of most jails
was on detention. In recent years this tradition role has been redefined and now the courts
and the community in some locales are working to see that their jails develop correctional
and intervention/rehabilitative programs (Gahar, 2013).
The Philippine government’s goal of the prisoner's intervention programs is to reform the
VEIs from committing crimes and assisting them in starting normal lives without any criminal
activities. Rehabilitation of VEIs helps greatly in reducing the number of repeat offenders
who return to jail after not being able to settle into a normal life outside the jail.
Management of correctional institution is an exact and complex task. The formal structure
of a coercive organization does not begin to describe the actual management of prison.
Although the wardens, administrators, guards have the formal authority of the state behind
their actions, the idea that they have total power is wide on the mark. The relationship
between the managers and the prisoners is much more fragile than what the organizational
chart indicates (Aromin, 2001).
The jails are usually not equipped in providing various development programs for the VEIs.
For the reasons that they are asking assistance from the local government units or non-
government organization purposely to attain to the needs of the VEIs, particularly for the
skills development program (Flora, 2015).
The major problems of jail facilities today could not just be attributed to one single reason
cause. Problems include among other lack of budget, contagious diseases, hunger, among
inmates, and others (Mercado, 1998).
These problems were proven by the former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Puno
(2010) by stating that the biggest problem of detainees like the VEIs of SICA is the lack of
support especially financial support from the government both national and local. This is
self-evident on the stringed up budget. Another is the penitentiary for the indecently low
priority given for their improvement. The lack of resources is the mother of all problems for
it breeds a lot of other problems: congestion which in the city jails of Metro Manila is
nothing but inhumane, commission of different crimes in jails, for the formation of gangs
that promise protection, the establishment of invisible governments that are run for profit,
criminal bosses corrupting some prisoner officials who run the penitentiaries as if they are
their private kingdoms, the prevalence of sickness and diseases among detainees, hunger on
the part of the VEIs (Santos, 2000).
It is undeniable that incarcerating a person for a long period of time is considered inhumane
and is already a form of punishment. The detention will naturally disrupt human
relationship even if the jail or prison is in good condition. This affects relationship to his or
her family as a consequence, who are likewise an innocent victims of incarceration.
Likewise, a symbol of failure on the part of the government as several persons will be
affected and not only the offender. This can only be corrected if development programs in
jails or prisons will be implemented and willingly absorbed by the inmates as their stay in jail
will enhance development which they can apply upon their release (Soliba, 1995).
There are problems why intervention programs cannot be implemented in jail, such as the
lack of space, the jail is usually overcrowded or congested. It is but logical that if space is
available then the area will be conducive for learning and therefore all means will be
initiated by the jail authorities to implement intervention programs for the VEIs. Second, is
lack of personnel, undermanned jail will naturally practice mostly close confinement of VEIs.
Whereby, inmates will always be inside their cells. Third is jail conditions, VEIs will not be
allowed outside their cells if the jail is dilapidated which causes security risk, and lastly non-
cooperation of the inmates. Regardless of how valuable a development project is, if the VEI
does not like to participate or merely participate just to comply with jail authorities will be
in futile. Inmates cannot be forced to join any development project as they claimed that
they are merely detainees or suspects and under trial as compared to a convicted inmate
who is already serving his sentence (Versoza, 1999).
The BJMP as of October 3, 2011 is managing a total of 411 jails in different cities and
municipalities nationwide, with a total of 12 provincial jails have already been transferred
into the authority of the BJMP, with the recent addition of the Iloilo rehabilitation center, as
of the first quarter of 2011 (Vicente, 2007).
Appropriate safekeeping and guaranteed custody of the VEIs should be prioritized before
any activities for the IWDP can be implemented. Since, no matter how successful the
implementation of the IWDP in any jail if escape occurred then it will be a total failure of jail
management, not only to the jail alone but to include the BJMP in general (Bestre, 2006).
Financial support for the implementation of intervention programs for VEIs in jails is very
dim, and needs assistance from the local government, who have their own priorities. The
success and status of a certain province, city or municipality can be gauged by merely
visiting and seeing their jail facilities. That is, if the needs of the VEIs are being attended
accordingly then the locality is in good financial standing. Even though these jails are under
the direct control and supervision of the BJMP, the local government should subsidize by
providing financial support for the IWDP for the benefit of their constituents who are in jail.
Since it is a known fact that jails or prisons are not income generating and a liability entity as
compared to other agencies who can contribute to increase the coffers of the government
(Villalobos, 2010).
As such, the Philippine Correctional set-up is fragmented. There are actually three
departments under the Executive Branch of the Government supervising and controlling
jails/prisons nationwide, namely: the Department of Justice, under which is the Bureau of
Corrections (BuCor) with seven prison and penal farms, National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) having their lock-up cells as detention facilities and the Bureau of Immigration and
Deportation (BID) for the confinement or detention of undesirable or questionable foreign
nationals. Second, the DILG under which are the BJMP supervising district, city and
municipal jails; Provincial Government supervising provincial and sub-provincial jails, and
the PNP having their lock-ups cells and other municipal jails not being manned by the BJMP
and the third is the Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD),
particularly the Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare who is in charge of the Regional Youth
Rehabilitation Centers (RYRC) nationwide. To include stockades as detention cells in Military
Camps and at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City. And lastly,
we have also the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under the Office of the
President having detention centers for drug dependents or those involved in drug related
cases (Bestre, 2016).
The BuCor is in-charge of the seven national prison and penal farms namely: 1) San Ramon
Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga Del Sur was constructed in 1847 and opened by a
Royal Decree on 1865. 2) Iwahig Penal Colony, Puerto Princesa, Palawan was created in
1904, with four sub-colonies namely; a) Central Sub-Colony, b) Montible Sub-colony, c) Sta.
Lucia Sub-Colony and d) Inagawan Sub-colony. 3) Correctional Institution for Women (CIW)
in Mandaluyong City was established in 1931. 4) Davao Penal Colony in Tagum, Davao del
Norte was established in 1932. 5) New Bilibid Pirson (NBP) was created pursuant to
Proclamation No. 414 series of 1931. 6) Sablayan Penal Colony, San Jose, Mindor Occidental
was established in 1954, with sub-colonies namely; a) Central Sub-colony, b) Pasugui Sub-
colony c) Pusog Sub-colony d) Yapang Sub-colony, and 7) Leyte Regional Prison, Abuyog
Leyte, was established on 16 January 1973 Mercado, 1998).
The NBP has three security compounds which are all located at Muntinlupa City, Metro
Manila, namely the Maximum Security Camp known as the NBP main compound, the
Medium Security Camp which is the Camp Sampaguita, where the Reception and Diagnostic
Center (RDC) is also located and the Minimum Security Camp referred to as Camp
Bukangliwayway. While the other prison and penal farms located outside metro manila are
classified as medium security camps (Bestre, 2016). These correctional facilities also houses
other VEIs. These are the convicted VEIs.
Several moves to improve the program have been carried out, but failed for one reason or
the other. It was only until recently that a decision to resolve the viability of the program
has once and for all been set out through the process of benchmarking by interdisciplinary
approach. During the seminar-workshop, which was held from September 3 to 19, 2001 at
the BJMP Central Office Conference Room, a resolution has been upheld that the
rehabilitation program could not in any way be successfully implemented in a condition
where the subjects are transient and the facilities and atmosphere are non-conductive. The
participants, who are professionals in diverse schools of thought and fields of specialization
in related behavioral sciences, have by and large subscribed to this claim. Having common
orientation in jail management, they believed that the implementers have no full control of
the situation in the present set up. The prescribed interventions could not be implemented
as programmed; thereby, the outputs are comprised Mariano, 2017).
Studies have shown that normalizing the prison experience through the offering of
education programming, vocational training, and work for pay, along with transitional skill
building reduces recidivism exponentially. Prison should not be - for the inmate - a life of
leisure with no sense of responsibility to the larger society. Prison should however, be a
place where the inmate can make amends, find societal redemption, and learn skills
allowing him to live in the larger society as a positive force instead of a liability (Cadiz, 1994).
The creation of the BJMP can be traced out legally from Republic Act No. 6975 (The DILG Act
of 1990) that promulgated that the task of the jail management and penology shall be the
responsibility of the BJMP. Based on this mandate, the BJMP defined its vision, mission,
powers, functions, values, objectives, and principles as an institution, in a consultative and
participative strategic planning session. Subsequently, Republic Act No. 9263, also known as
the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and BJMP Professionalization Act of 2004, and its
implementing rules and regulations strengthened the provisions of RA 6975, redefined
many of the BJMP’s existing policies and restructured the Bureau’s organization (BJMP
Manual Revised, 2010).
The BJMP was created January 2, 1991 pursuant to republic Act 6975, replacing its
forerunner, the Office of Jail Management and Penology of the defunct Philippine
Constabulary/Integrated National Police. The BJMP has jurisdiction over all district city and
municipal jails. It is a line bureau of the DILG. To ensure the establishment of secured, clean,
adequately equipped, and sanitary facilities and provision of quality services for the custody,
safekeeping and development of district city and municipal inmates and VEIs, any fugitive
from justice, or person detained, awaiting or undergoing investigation or trial and/or
transfer to the National Penitentiary, and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers
him/her or the safety of others as certified by the proper medical or health officer, pending
transfer to a mental institution (BJMP Manual Revised, 2010).
As of September 2010, 62,556 are detained in the facilities of the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology nationwide. These people fit the official definition of Persons
Deprived of Liberty (PDL) such as; detainees, prisoners, probationers, parolees, and
conditional pardonees or people under the custody and supervision of an institution by
order or judicial, administrative or any other authority because of crimes or legal offenses
(Flora, 2015).
It is worthy to note that of these 62,556 inmates, 58,669 or 94 percent are detainees or
those awaiting final judgement from our courts. Thus, an overwhelming majority of those
imprisoned in jails are not serving sentences but simply awaiting them. The average
congestion rate in the country stands at 292 percent. Region 10 posted the highest with
congestion rate of 621 percent followed by region 4-A at 533 percent. NCR is third at 410
percent. Of our 17 regions, only region 13 posted a congestion rate of below 100 percent
(Mercado, 1998).
With such over population in our jails, it is easy to see how poor and difficult the living
conditions of VEIs. The solution to this equation, however, can be simple. While this
problem is primarily lodged with the correctional system, the other four pillars of the
criminal justice system are equally responsible for solutions that are comprehensive and
sustainable (Nunez, 1995).
Aromin (2001) manifested that no other could be more understanding of the plight of the
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) than us who are inherently tasked by virtue of our
employment to look after their welfare in consonance with the requirements of law. They
are like a child to us – babysitting them for the government – so that their welfare lies so
much in our hands because of the responsibilities. And, being such as they are to us, we
have known so much about them – what makes them cry or laugh; that which they crave
for, or simply dream about; and, most of all, how they first thirst about someone’s showing
deep concern for them.
To affirm the mission of the BJMP, Jail Director Rosendo Moro Dial, Chief, BJMP and
Honorable Marius Corpus, Undersecretary for Peace and Order (USPO) of DILG
recommended which was approved on January 22, 2010 by Honorable Reynaldo Puno, then
Secretary, DILG for the activation of three newly restructured Directorates which are the
Directorate for Investigation and Prosecution, Directorate for Intelligence and most
especially the Directorate for Inmates Welfare and Development (DIWD).
The IWDP is a breakthrough in the relentless pursuit towards the attainment of the vision
and mission of the BJMP. It is a living witness of commitment to truly develop inmates,
including VEIs in custody and to help promote public safety. Through the IWDP, provide
clientele with effective and efficient jail services by implementing enhancement program
the smarter way and thus be able to lay VEIs back to the mainstream of society as law-
abiding and productive citizens (Soliba, 1995).
The following are IWDP and other services: provision for basic needs, health services,
livelihood services, educational services, sports and recreation services, visitation services,
paralegal services, religious services and the latest is the therapeutic community modality.
The act and process of keeping a person in prison is a deprivation of one’s liberty which is
punishment intended by the law to compensate for the crime committed. He is therefore,
imprisoned not for punishment but for rehabilitation (Nicolas, 1995).
Mondejar (1993) emphasized that rehabilitation of VEIs is a cozy home for offenders who,
even under confinement, also desired as much as anyone else to enjoy the comfort of an
ideal abode. It is a place where offender spent the hour with optimum assurances of
freedom from the inroads of natural elements and environment discomfort. A rehabilitation
center should be a dwelling place where an offender can rest while undergoing
rehabilitation in preparation for his rejoining the mainstreams of the society after release.
Sustaining the effect of their rehabilitation in jail through tangible assistance and social
acceptance upon release should be the community’s vital correction. By treating
rehabilitated offenders not as social outcasts but with open arms and hearts, the
community can make them feel that they are welcome and part of it.
The current set-up of the jail or penal system brought about problems in enhancing the
living conditions of the VEIs in various aspects whose needs cannot be shouldered alone by
the agencies managing jail or penal institution.
on our part to show them concern, like how they would want to know that government and
society have not left them to their fate alone. And, that out of their cloistered nooks are
people like us who still care and bent on exploring ways and ideas to fit them well to a
dignity they may have once partially lost but not altogether as belonging to the race.
BJMP under the DILG takes custody of around 68,900 detainees with an appropriated
budget of P4.47 billion for 2010. Under the 2011 budget, the Department of Budget
Management (DBM) proposed P5.15 billion for BJMP, or an increase of about P677 million.
These amounts include the P50-a-day subsistence allowance and P3-a-day medicine
allowance per detainee (Versoza, 1999). With this situation, every jail institution is properly
allotting its budget to deliver the proper services to the inmates, including VEIs in
accordance to the availability of budget. Jail management is also doing their part to
implement the programs in order for them to raise funds to benefit the inmates/VEIs and
jail institution as a whole.
While the BuCor under DOJ, takes custody of around 35,700 prisoners with an appropriated
budget of P1.37 billion for 2010. Under the 2011 budget, the Budget Department proposed
P1.15 billion for BuCor or an increase of about P142 million. These amounts also include the
P50 and P3 a day subsistence and medical allowances (Bestre, 2016).
At this point, the seven penitentiaries under the BuCor at present are not just merely
composed of detention facilities for income-generating agricultural and industrial projects.
Prisoners working in these projects are given an allowance of not less than P300 per month
from the income of these projects.
There might be questions if the P50 per day subsistence allowance is enough. It is certainly
still well above the average poverty threshold in the country of around P15, 000 per year or
P41 per day; and above the international “extreme poverty“ line of $1 per day. If these
figures would be the benchmark, then it would seem that: PDLs are actually living a little
better than their free but poor counterparts (Bestre, 2016).
Interested citizens both within and outside the criminal justice system have become
increasingly alarmed at the failure of our traditional correctional institutions to “correct”
and are waging to campaign to encourage the adoption of alternative means for dealing
with some VEIs. They are using public reaction, such as the New York Times survey showed
that 69 percent of Americans had lost confidence in the ability of prisons to rehabilitate
offenders as a means to encourage correctional administrators to seek out other alternative
programs for VEIs (Hagan, 2016).
Aromin (2001), in his dissertation on the over-all Status of the Rehabilitation for VEIs of the
NCR Jails is moderate. The extent of implementation of rehabilitation programs is
moderately implemented and the level of implementation is moderately effective. This is
affirmed by the research of Bestre (2016) where there is a moderate implementation of the
jail programs for VEIs. However, according to some inmates, the programs are not enough
for them to have additional income inside jail.
Research shows that harsh treatment in detention facilities can play a disconcertingly
powerful role in the recruitment of a large number of individuals who have joined violent
extremist groups and terrorist organizations. Several factors have been identified as
spurring prisoners to seek protection by joining groups, including inhumane prison
conditions and inhumane treatment of inmates, corrupt staff and security officers, gang
activity, drug use, lack of security and proper facilities, and overcrowding (Bryans, 2016).
According to Bryans (2016), all prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their
inherent dignity and value as human beings. No prisoners shall be subjected to, and all
prisoners shall be protected from, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
of punishment, for which no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as justification. The
safety and security of prisoners, staff, service providers and visitors shall be ensured at all
times.
While this absolute prohibition is arguably the most fundamental aspect of the respect for
the human dignity of prisoners, the principle of humane treatment encompasses many
other aspects of prison management.10 Respecting prisoners’ dignity as human beings also
means that prison authorities must ensure that their conditions of detention meet at least
their basic needs, which include their accommodation, bed, bedding and clothing, drinking
water and nutrition, access to open air and exercise, natural and artificial light, a
temperature appropriate to health as well as personal hygiene, sanitation facilities and
access to health-care services. All prisoners, including violent extremist prisoners, are
entitled to the general living conditions addressed in the United Nations Standard Minimum
Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The Nelson Mandela Rules states “ “General living
conditions addressed in these rules, including those related to light, ventilation,
temperature, sanitation, nutrition, drinking water, access to open air and physical exercise,
personal hygiene, health care and adequate personal space, shall apply to all prisoners
without exception.”
In some City Jails like the Taguig City Jail (TCJ), the inmates’ intervention programs are
implemented by the jail management. The TCJ has tried and is trying to enhance its
strategies to deliver its services to the inmates. But some problems encountered along the
way includes lack of health officers, congestion and lack of space. These problems are
observed due to lack of budget.
Nunez (1995) emphasized that the State is mandated to provide resources required from
the arrest of a suspect, to actual imprisonment of a convicted criminal, to probation and
parole and then to actual freedom. Anecdotally known about how resources are lacking in
the penal system, having seen images of a hundred inmates/VEIs squeezing into a cell; or
heard stories of how a poor suspect’s case has taken years, to the point of him staying in jail
more than his prospective convictions actual imprisonment term. But even with meagre
resources, the government is not abandoning our persons deprived of liberty. To account
for the resources being provided by the government for persons deprived of liberty, the first
is to look at the budget provided yearly maintenance of jails.
Marco (1998) likewise stated that trying to discipline the condition of inmates/VEIs, we
would be able to fell that there is indeed a great need to improve the conditions of the
inmates. They must be accorded with outmost attention for they still are not feckless in the
world. As proven in the study of Aromin (2001) that even for limited space and congested
cells intervention program could still be perceived and could still give a benefit result to the
inmates/VEIs.
According to Dr. Ricardo F. De Leon, President of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC),
there is the vision for strong Filipino nation in the next decade of this century calls for a
strategic framework on security and development. To secure our homeland, there is a need
for a strategy that must be founded on the theme of building up our internal capacity and
resiliency. This is the platform for projecting a country’s agential power in domestic society
as well as in the regional community.
De Leon (2015) written in his book entitled Public Safety Review that the opportunity for
crafting a homeland strategy that will promote and protect national values and interests in
most wanting at this time and changes of uncertainties. In a move to confront non-
traditional security threats at the local, national and regional levels, the Philippine
administration is behooved to come up with adaptive and proactive courses of action on the
security and development of our motherland. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the
citizens, the peace and order in the democratic society, sanctity of social justice and the rule
of law, the continuity of economic gains, the sustainability of the ecological government,
and on the whole, the empowerment and resiliency of the Filipino nation in the midst of a
complex and vulnerable environment.
Champion (2016) observed that the goal of modern correction is not only to protect
members of the society, but also the returning offender. Sound re-integration programs can
only achieve this goal and rehabilitation measures, which ensure that VEIs will not revert to
his criminal ways. Criminal correction specialist view crime as a symptom of the failure not
only of the offender to internalize approval social norms and values but also the failure of
society to provide the proper environment where the offender is encouraged to engage in
crime by offering him resources to enable him to pursue productive legal activities and lead
a law –abiding life.
Cole (2016) also mentioned in his study that the objective of corrections is the permanent
regeneration of the VEIs’ attitude towards the end capacity for law observance. It is not
possible however, to isolate an individual incentive towards violating the law from the total
picture of his characteristics and social relationship. It is inevitable therefore that
corrections treatment should be conserved with the total configuration of the VEIs’
personality in relation to family, community and society.
Foronda (2016) noted that the goal of intervention programs is towards the offender rather
than the offense. Thus, a sentence should promote the offender’s re-socialization and the
offender can only return to the society when his disease is cured based from the concept of
the medical model of corrections. According to this model of corrections, the VEIs are to be
treated as sick persons thereby preparing treatment programs before releasing them to the
community.
Stated in the work of Sannad (2002), Fox and Stinch comb observed that intervention
programs advocates maintain that criminal sanctions should be used as an opportunity to
make some type positive change in the offender. As George Bernard Shaw pointed out, “if
you are going to punish man retributively, you must injure him. If you are to reform him,
you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries.
Brockway, also claimed that “The effect of education is reformatory, for it tends to dissipate
poverty by imparting intelligence sufficient to conduct ordinary affairs, and puts into the
minds, necessarily habits of punctuality, method and perseverance, xxx if culture, then has
refining influence it is only necessary to carry it for enough in combination always with due
religious agencies, to cultivate the criminal out of his criminality, and to constitute him a
reformed man.”
The work of Santos (2000) and Soliba (1995) emphasized that no truly effective
implementation of implementation’s goal of rehabilitating and re-integrating the VEIs into
society will succeed without the support of the community. It is only with such community
support, especially from the elements of the established power that community-based
corrections have a real chance for success. Such support is in a form of variety of service,
manpower development, education, employment, recreation and other services including
drug abuse treatment and prevention programs (Nicolas, 1995).
As stipulated by Caparas (2015), dealing, interacting and working with offenders/VEIs is not
an easy task. The jail officers work with offenders of different values, beliefs, norms and
social culture and to be efficient in the discharged of their duties and responsibilities.
Cadiz (1994) conferred that the biting reality is that jails are running out of space. The
combined total cell area of all jails and facilities under the supervision of the BJMP is about
59,000 square meters, which should carry an ideal capacity of about 20,000 inmates.
There are now 68,900 inmates as of end of March 2017. That is about 40,000 more than the
ideal capacity, or about 300 percent higher. The more painful reality is that seven regions
are worse off than the national average for jail congestion. Our standard is- for each inmate
to have a reasonable living space of at least 4.7 square meters. But with the actual capacity
increasing thrice as much as the ideal capacity, each inmate is now squeezed into a cell area
or less than 1 square meter. The total number of BJMP personnel is only 7,076 whereas its
ideal number is pegged by the bureau at 41,361 or a staggering want of about 83 percent.
Therefore the ratio of a jail officer per inmate is 1:64 when the ideal ratio is 1:7 (Bestre,
2016).
The above cited related literatures and studies are very important to support the conceptual
framework of the study. As observed in the given literatures of study, there is the
commonality on the purposes of the correctional system whatever the country is. Just like
any other correctional institutions of other countries, the main purpose of incarcerating
offenders is to prepare them for re-integration in the community. While the community is
protected during the inmates’ incarceration, the VEIs are also offered with intervention
programs by the government particularly the SICA in Taguig City.
The book of Siegel (2016), prisoners should not be isolated from society; rather, the best
elements of society – education, religion, meaningful work, and self-governance should be
brought to prison. But was opposed by conservative prison administrators and state
officials, who believed that stern discipline was needed to control dangerous VEIs, however,
Gahar (2013) stated that jails have improved substantially in the twentieth century, they are
still operated in a manner of which governments cannot be proud of.
The different researches conducted revealed that the different jails and prisons in the
country have almost the same purpose, and that is to reform, rehabilitate the inmates. In
the Philippine correctional set-up, there are several authorized agencies and government
sectors that were given responsibility to run certain correctional facilities. The BuCor for
example is governing the seven (7) prisons and penal farms nationwide, the city jails,
municipal jails, and selected provincials are under the care of the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology, and the provincial jails are under the administration and
control of the provincial government, though as mentioned above, there are some
provincial jails that are turned over to the BJMP through Memorandum of Agreement. One
more that is common to the different correctional institutions in the country is the
rehabilitation programs that are offered to their inmates. As to the rehabilitation programs,
the bases are still on the BUCor Manual and BJMP Manual. In this study, the SICA house the
inmates who committed violent extremism related crimes and are required to be given
special attention and control because of their status.
The BJMP is one of the tri-bureaus of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
that was given the mandate to rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for their community
integration. The National Capital Region (NCR) is the regional capital of the Philippines that
has the most number of jails and prisons as to location. One of the jails is located in Taguig
City where the inmates are suspected terrorists, allegedly members of the different lefty
groups in the country. These inmates are being taken cared of at the SICA. This situation
requires special and separate programs that need to be conducted for these kinds of
inmates in a jail institution.
The challenge for SICA is to effectively handle the VEIs at the same time carrying out the
mandates of the Bureau to rehabilitate and reform while undergoing trials.
The nation was awakened by horrors when inmates belonging to the ASG at the SICA 1 of
Metro Manila District Jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City initiated a hostage taking
last March 15, 2005. This was after their escape plot failed to materialize. During the said
incident, 23 detainees, 3 BJMP personnel, and one (1) SAF member were killed. Another
incident was in Makati City Jail. In February 2016, the inmates claimed to have been beaten
up by jail guards and were reportedly injured following the noise barrage that escalated into
a riot. In separate incidents, at least 200 members of the Batang City Jail Gang inside Manila
City Jail staged a noise barrage in September 2016 over a new policy that would segregate
its inmates with cases related to illegal drugs. While in October 2016, another noise barrage
was staged by more than 800 inmates at Navotas City Jail in protest to the ‘Cashless System”
policy of the jail.
As of May 31, 2018, the following are the inmates of Special Intensive Care Area 1 in Camp
Bagong Diwa, in Taguig City.
According to one of the inmates of SICA, a detainee due to the Lamitan Siege, many are
recruited to join the extremist groups because they don’t understand English. The group of
people who are recruiting among the residents are usually using English and Filipino
languages. Some of these are foreigners who are there at the ground to conduct strategic
recruitment. Since most of the residents do not understand English and Filipino languages,
most of them join the group because they want to earn money and not solely on ideology.
This was supported by another VEI in SICA, a commander of the NPA who said, the members
of the NPA (in their command), are usually illiterate who cannot write or read. They have
joined the NPA because of several reasons: wanted persons in their community, wanted to
hold rifles and grenades, and some are fighting for what they believe is correct such as their
ideology towards a certain issue against the government. The recruitment process in
general includes the use of English and/or Tagalog that sounds good for the target
members.
Thus, with these considerations, the conduct of this study is necessary in order to determine
what appropriate program may be conducted inside the jail as an intervention for
deradicalization of the said inmates.
This study aimed to evaluate the intervention programs of the Special Intensive Care Area
(SICA) for its Violent Extremist Inmates (VEIs). Specifically, it sought answers to the following
research questions:
1. What is the degree of implementation of the SICA intervention programs for VEIs as
perceived by SICA personnel, VEIs and visitors in terms of:
a. Alternative Learning System (ALS);
b. Interfaith Program;
c. Sports and Recreation Program; and
d. Livelihood Program?
2. Is there a significant difference on the perceptions of SICA personnel, VEIs and visitors
on the intervention programs in terms of:
a. Alternative Learning System(ALS);
b. Interfaith Program;
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study made use of the mixed methods applying both qualitative-quantitative
approaches of research which is descriptive in nature. This method involved the collection
of the data that answered the questions on the intervention programs offered by the SICA in
Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City. According to Gibbs (2017), descriptive method of
research is a process of gathering, analyzing and tabulating data about the prevailing
conditions, practices, beliefs, processes, trends and cause and effect relationships and then
making adequate interpretation about such data. It also includes studies that seek to
present facts concerning the status of anything, group, acts, conditions and any other
phenomenon. Therefore, this method is absolutely appropriate the descriptive approach is
used mainly to describe contemporary events, and that the research questions and
problems are rooted in the past and may affect the future. Qualitative approach was utilized
for research problems no. 2 and 3. The participants were subjected to Key Informant
Interview and Focus Group Discussion.
Secondarily, the researcher made used documentary analysis in order to get more
information for the purpose of corroborating the research findings. Informal interviews
were made among key officers of the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA), selected Violent
Extremist Inmates (VEIs) and visitors available during the visit in the place of study.
This study made use both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data came
from the duly accomplished questionnaires of the respondents and documents gathered by
the researchers from SICA while the secondary data came from books, periodicals and other
sources used by the researcher as guide to support their findings in the presentation of
results and findings.
The study was conducted at the SICA, a correctional facility that was specially created to
house the inmates who were charged of crimes related to violent extremism such as
members of the following extremist groups: Maute Group, Moro-Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF), Moro-National Liberation Front (MNLF), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Bangsomoro
Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) / Alex Bongcayao Brigade
(ABB), New People’s Army (NPA). The SICA is located inside the Camp Bagong Diwa in
Bicutan, Taguig City. The administration and control of this is under the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP).
Table 1
The Affiliations of Inmates of Special Intensive Care Area
Affiliation of Inmates of SICA Total
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) 155
Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 18
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) 1
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) 5
Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA/ABB) 13
New People’s Army (NPA) 30
Maute Group (MG) 2
Total 224
Table 2
Population of the Study
Group of Participants Population Sample Size P
SICA Personnel 60 55 92.00
SICA VEIs 224 205 92.00
SICA Visitors/Relatives 30 25 83.00
Total 314 285 91.00
As gleaned in Table 2, the respondents who participated in the study includes 55 (92%) out
of 60 SICA personnel, 205 (92%) out of 224 SICA VEIs, and 25 (83%) out of 30
visitors/relatives of the VEIs per day. It was the target of the researchers to include all the
SICA personnel and VEIs but some were not available during the floating of questionnaire.
According to records, some personnel were on official leave and on official business during
the duration of administering the questionnaires. Likewise, some of the VEIs attended their
court hearing and were outside the jail facility during the administration of the
questionnaires.
Table 3
Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Population of the Study According to Sex
Groups of Male P Female P Sample
Respondents Size
SICA Personnel 36 66.00 19 44.00 55
SICA VEIs 205 100.00 0 0.00 205
SICA Visitors/Relatives 8 32.00 17 68.00 25
Total 249 87.00 36 13.00 285
According to sex, the respondents are composed of 249 or 87% male and 36 or 13% female.
The respondents are dominated by male, except in the SICA relatives/visitors where 17 or
68% outweighs 8 or 32 % female to male ratio. Table 3 shows the population of the study
according to sex.
Table 4
Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Population of the Study According to
Highest Educational Attainment
Groups of MS/ Sample
Respondents Elem P HS P Coll P PhD P Size
SICA 0 0.00 0 0.00 52 95.00 3 5.00 55
Personnel
SICA VEIs 103 50.00 78 38.00 20 8.00 4 4.00 205
SICA Visitors/ 0 0.00 16 64.00 9 36.00 0 0.00 25
Relatives
Total 103 36% 94 33.00 81 28.00 7 3.00 285
Table 4 presents the population of the study according to highest educational attainment. It
shows that the SICA personnel has 52 or 95% college graduates and has 3 or 5% graduates
of maters and doctorate degree. The SICA VEIs has 103 or 50% elementary graduates, 78 or
38% are high school graduates, 20 or 8% college graduates, and 4 or 4% are
masters/doctorate degree holders. This shows that majority of the respondents are basic
education graduates.
Table 5
Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Population of the Study According to Age
Groups of 30 & P 31-50 P 51 & P Sample
Respondents Below above Size
SICA Personnel 33 60.00 22 40.00 0 0.00 55
SICA VEIs 36 18.00 136 66.00 33 16.00 205
SICA Visitors/ 2 8.00 17 68.00 6 24.00 25
Relatives
Total 71 25.00 175 61.00 39 14.00 285
Table 5 shows the population of the study according to age. There are 33 or 60% SICA
personnel who belong to 30 and below bracket of age, 22 or 40% belong to 31-50 age
brackets. The SICA VEIs is composed of 36 or 18% who belong to the 30 and below age
bracket, 136 or 66% belong to 31-50 age bracket, and 33 or 16% belong to 51 and above.
The visitors/relative of inmates are also composed of 2 or 8% (30 and below), 17 or 68% (31-
50), and 6 or 24% (51 and above). The table shows that majority of the respondents’ age
belong 31-50.
In analyzing and evaluating the data that were obtained from the survey, the statistical data
analytical tools utilized the following: 1) percentage distribution method, 2) weighted mean,
and 3) reference to a verbal interpretation scale, the five-point scale used, 4) Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) through F-test considering that there are 3 groups of participants of the
study.
Percentage Distribution. This was used in analyzing the data pertaining to the demographic
profile of the respondents, in computing the sample size among others. The formula is as
follows:
% = ----- x 100
Where:
% - Percentage of responses
100 – Constant
Weighted Mean. This was utilized for problem no. 1. A measure of central tendency was
used in determining the advantages such as the mean. The obtained weighted mean is an
advantage of all the scores by the three groups of participants. The formula for the
computation of weighted mean is as follows:
X = ∑ f (w)
Where:
∑ - Summation
Descriptive Evaluation Scale. A 5-point scale patterned after the Likert’s scale was used as a
tool in making a descriptive evaluation of the quantitative data obtained from the survey
results.
Serious (S)
In order to triangulate the findings from the quantitative part of the study, the researchers
conducted Key Informant Interview (KII). This was not used to answer the research problem
but was used to add more triangulations. The researchers analyzed the transcript of the
interviews and made use of Thematic Analysis (TA) whereby the themes of the answers
were identified by the researchers. This became the source of discussion that would reveal
the significant findings of study. Pseudonyms were used to hide the identity of each
respondent/key informant especially for the VEIs.
In this study, the approach to TA that was used were the following: 1) Familiarization with
the data wherein in this phase involves reading and re-reading the data, to become
immersed and intimately familiar with its content;
Coding where it involves generating succinct labels (codes) that identify important features
of the data that might be relevant to answering the research question. It involves coding the
entire dataset, and after that, collating all the codes and all relevant data extracts, together
for later stages of analysis;
Searching for themes that involve examining the codes and collated data to identify
significant broader patterns of meaning (potential themes). It then involves collating data
relevant to each candidate theme, so that you can work with the data and review the
viability of each candidate theme;
Reviewing themes. This phase involves checking the candidate themes against the dataset,
to determine that they tell a convincing story of the data, and one that answers the research
question. In this phase, themes are typically refined, which sometimes involves them being
split, combined, or discarded;
Defining and naming themes. This phase involves developing a detailed analysis of each
theme, working out the scope and focus of each theme, determining the ‘story’ of each. It
also involves deciding on an informative name for each theme; and
Writing up. This final phase involves weaving together the analytic narrative and data
extracts, and contextualizing the analysis in relation to existing literature. Although these
phases are sequential, and each builds on the previous, analysis is typically a recursive
process, with movement back and forth between different phases. So it’s not rigid, and with
more experience (and smaller datasets), the analytic process can blur some of these phases
together (Gibbs, 2017).
Degree of implementation of the SICA intervention programs for VEIs as perceived by SICA
personnel, VEIs and visitors in terms of Alternative Learning System (ALS); Interfaith
Program; Sports and Recreation Program; and Livelihood Program
This section presents the answers for the first research problem on the degree of
implementation of the SICA intervention programs for the VEIs at the SICA located at Camp
Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Table 6
Degree of Implementation of the SICA Intervention Programs for VEIs as Perceived by SICA
Personnel, VEIs and Visitors in Terms of Alternative Learning System (N=285)
SICA SICA SICA Visitors Overall
Personnel VEIs (25) Mean
(55) (205) (285)
1. Basic education (elementary and high 3.45 HI 3.10 I 3.35 VHI 3.19 I
school) is offered by SICA (Ang saligang
edukasyon o elementarya at
sekondarya ay meron sa SICA at
inaalok sa mga preso).
2. SICA is affiliated with a school that 2.34 LI 2.40 LI 3.56 HI 2.49 LI
provides resources for its ALS program
(Ang SICA ay kasapi sa paaralan na
may ALS na programa)
3. Make up classes are conducted for 3.29 HI 2.10 LI 3.44 HI 2.45 LI
illiterate VEIs inside SICA (May mga
espesyal na klase para sa mga hindi
nag-aral)
Table 6 presents the summary of findings on the degree of implementation of the SICA
intervention programs for VEIs as perceived by the groups of respondents in terms of
Alternative Learning System.
The Alternative Learning System of the BJMP was perceived implemented as shown in the
area mean of 2.69. This means that the respondents observed that the Alternative Learning
System-Acceleration and Equivalency Test or ALS, the inmates’ moral have been given a
boost.
It was observed that Basic education is offered by SICA gaining the highest weighted mean
of 3.19, interpreted as implemented. On the contrary, make up classes are conducted for
illiterate VEIs inside SICA was perceived least implemented evidenced by the area mean of
2.45.
In Baguio City, Journalism and other literary lectures and seminars are also being conducted
by private NGOs like the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC), while the
Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon Foundation Incorporation (BCJCFI) supports and conducts the
annual ALS program for any interested inmate who wants to give advancement in their
education (Dacawi, 2014). .
Keith (2016) in the article “Baguio inmates finish ALS program,” it was mentioned that six
female and three male wards received their diplomas for passing the Alternative Learning
System 2 Accreditation and Equivalency (A and E) test for the secondary level at the Baguio
City Jail multi-purpose hall recently. Arthur Tiongan, Department of Education-Baguio ALS
supervisor, said the graduates attended their classes and took the accreditation and
equivalency test while in detention, making them eligible for college. He paid tribute to the
parents and relatives of the graduates for attending the commencement ceremonies at the
jail court yard. One of the graduates narrated that she did not finish her high school
education because of financial problems that were further aggravated by vices. She said she
was grateful to finish high school inside the jail. The non-formal education A&E test is a
paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither
attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system.
According to the international standards, correctional intervention programs for VEIs are
created by correctional facilities by all nations in the entire world. These intervention
programs are intended to restore an inmate’s normal life in the community by being a
responsible citizen in a society/community. All prisons and jails have the purpose of securing
the community by incarcerating the criminals but providing them services that would
possibly change their life after service of sentence. By educating the inmates, they can be
reformed and rehabilitated.
Table 7
Degree of Implementation of the SICA Intervention Programs for VEIs as Perceived by SICA
Personnel, VEIs and Visitors in Terms of Interfaith Program (N=285)
SICA SICA SICA Visitors Overall
Personnel VEIs (25) Mean
(55) (205) (285)
B. Interfaith Program
1. All religious affiliations are respected 4.00 HI 3.20 I 3.45 HI 3.38 HI
(Lahat ng relihyon ng mga preso sa
SICA ay respetado)
2. A secured place for worship during 4.00 HI 3.78 HI 3.90 HI 3.83 HI
religious activities is maintained (May
ligtas na lugar para sa mga preso na
puwedeng magtaguyod ng kanilang
misa)
3. The faith of inmates is strengthened 3.79 HI 3.28 HI 3.77 HI 3.42 HI
through conduct of interfaith
activities such as bible study, prayer
meeting and group sharing (Ang
paniniwala ng bawat preso ay
pinapatibay sa pamamaraan ng mga
“bible study” at iba pang
pamamaraan)
4. Regular counseling are conducted to 3.24 I 3.68 HI 3.80 HI 3.61 HI
inmates by religious leaders (Ang mga
lideres ng ilang simbahan ay
nagbibigay ng payo o sanngunian sa
mga preso ng SICA)
Area Mean 3.76 HI 3.49 HI 3.73 HI 3.56 HI
Interfaith Program
Table 7 presents the summary of findings on the degree of implementation of the SICA
intervention programs for VEIs as perceived by the three groups of respondents in terms of
one of the SICA’s intervention program called Interfaith Program.
The interfaith programs of the BJMP were likewise perceived by the respondents highly
implemented as shown in the area mean of 3.56. This means that the interfaith programs
were recognized by the respondents as healing programs of which they could be used for
them to contemplate on what were done and what should be done to remedy on what was
done.
It was likewise mentioned that a secured place for worship during religious activities is
maintained (3.83); and regular counseling are conducted to inmates by religious leaders
(3.61). These interfaith programs of the BJMP were highly implemented, however, the
programs that all religious affiliations are respected (3.38) were observed lowest of the
highly implemented programs of the interfaith programs of the BJMP may be because of the
difficulty of coordinating with the different leaders of the different affiliations for regular
interfaith activities as bible studies, prayer meetings, worship services, and group sharing
Smith (2004) mentioned that prison contemplative programs are classes or practices (which
includes meditation, yoga, contemplative prayer or similar) that are offered at correctional
institutions for inmates and prison staff which could benefit them from ease or relief from
stress. Some inmates or organizations have used religious freedom provisions as a way to
secure programs in prisons. He further stressed that in the United States, prisoners are
allowed to hold any religious practices that may be offered in their prison cells.
According to Cole (2016), across the world, intervention services like religious related
programs are playing an increasingly pivotal role in preventing and countering the spread of
violent extremism and terrorism. As the number of criminal prosecutions and convictions of
terrorism offenders increases, including as a result of returning foreign terrorist fighters,
prison services operate on the frontlines of the counterterrorism and countering violent
extremism (CVE) challenge. They carry responsibility for managing the potential risks posed
by violent extremist inmates (VEIs) and for preventing the radicalization and recruitment to
violent extremism of other inmates.
Table 8
Degree of Implementation of the SICA Intervention Programs for VEIs as Perceived by SICA Personnel, VEIs
and Visitors in Terms of Sports and Recreational Program (N=285)
SICA SICA SICA Visitors Overall
Personnel VEIs (25) Mean
(55) (205) (285)
C. Sports and Recreational Program
1. Good camaraderie and oneness of 4.00 HI 3.95 HI 3.90 HI 3.96 HI
inmates is maintained through conduct
of sports activities (May mga palaro na
itinataguyod para sa pagkakapatiran
ng mga preso)
2. Leadership skills of inmates are 3.67 HI 3.80 HI 3.85 HI 3.78 HI
developed through conduct of physical
exercises and recreational activities
(Ang pagiging lider ng mga preso ay
binubuo sa pamamagitan ng mga
aktibidades katulad ng mga palaro at
iba pang Gawain)
3. Programs that serve as entertainment 3.86 HI 3.78 HI 3.95 HI 3.81 HI
activities to inmates are organized by
SICA personnel (Ang SICA ay nag-
oorganisa nga mga programang pang-
libang/pang-aliw para sa mga preso)
4. Good physical, mental and well-being 4.00 HI 3.29 HI 3.86 HI 3.48 HI
of inmates is maintained through
conduct of sports activities (Ang
maganda at malusog na
pangangatawa ng mga preso ay
namimintinar sa pamamagitan ng mga
palaro ng SICA)
Area Mean 3.88 HI 3.71 HI 3.89 HI 3.76 HI
Table 8 presents the perceived degree of implementation of the Special Intensive Care Area
(SICA) for its Violent Extremist Inmates (VEIs) by the respondents in terms of Sports and
Recreational Program.
As gleaned from the table, the respondents perceived that the SICA for its VEIs are
implemented as shown in the overall area mean of 3.19. This means that the SICA for the
VEIs are implemented, however, there are still several areas not much implemented of
which the BJMP had not fully customized the objectives of the rehabilitation services as
provided in its legal mandate.
The Sports and Recreation Program of the Special Intensive Care Area was perceived highly
implemented as shown in the area mean of 3.76. This means that the sports and recreation
programs of the Bureau of Jail and Penology were perceived highly implemented and it
further demonstrates that sport and physical activity programs of the jail inmates can
provide a meaningful vehicle through which personal and social development in inmates can
be positively affected and positive social changes, skills development and
rehabilitation/reintegration can be achieved.
It was likewise shown in the table that Good camaraderie and oneness of inmates is
maintained through conduct of sports activities (3.96) and the programs that serve as
entertainment activities to inmates are organized by SICA personnel (3.81) were perceived
by the respondents as programs highly implemented by the SICA. However, among the
sports and recreation programs, the inmates perceived that the good physical, mental and
well-being of inmates is maintained through conduct of sports activities was perceived the
lowest of the highly implemented sports and recreation programs of the Baguio City Bureau
of Jail Management and Penology for the jail inmates.
Moreover, the World Health Organization (2003) and Emily (2002) mentioned that sports
can be considered as a viable method of promoting good health; particularly, regular
physical activity reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, helps to control weight
and has a positive impact on other health risks. Generally speaking, inmates have few
opportunities to practice sport regularly; they can be considered as a population presenting
a high risk of hypokinetic diseases such as heart diseases, obesity, hypertension,
osteoporosis and diabetes. Due to the incarceration, movement and occasions to practice
sport are very limited with a consequent impossibility for inmates to enjoy the good effects
of physical activities: in such a kind of situation, those who are imprisoned retain their
fundamental right to enjoy good physical and mental health (Coyle, 2002). Therefore, the
BJMP can assist to a huge number of health problems and, consequently, to a reduction of
quality of life in prison and to a parallel increase in the cost of health assistance.
The experience of prison should help inmates to maintain and improve their health, mental
and social situation and sport based programs are cost-effective way to tackle health
problems and foster a general well-being: particularly, physical activity has positive effect
for the general mental health of inmates and it can contribute to achieve higher level of
general wellness (Scottish Prison Service, 2002).
Therefore, due to the difficult conditions that inmates experience, it seems necessary to
help them in dealing with daily problems (for instance: stress control and emotions
management) and a direct involvement in sport activities can offer suitable results in this
direction. In addition to the discussed non-medical function, sport presents other two
relevant features for the well-being of those who are imprisoned. Firstly, playing sport and
taking part in physical activity offers a unique occasion to relax and fight against boredom
and had resulted in a positive effect for inmates due to its reported links to depression,
distractibility and loneliness (Coalter, 2001).
Secondly, taking part in sports activities enables inmates to express their needs movement
and their rights to take part in educational and cultural activities. From this perspective,
sports activities can have double effects: from the one hand they can contribute to develop
a positive well-being and offer creative and relaxing activities; from the other hand they can
be part of a wider approach concerning the use of sport as a means to foster education and
achieve social goals.
Table 9
Degree of Implementation of the SICA Intervention Programs for VEIs as Perceived by SICA
Personnel, VEIs and Visitors in Terms of Livelihood Program (N=285)
SICA SICA SICA Visitors Overall
Personnel VEIs (25) Mean
(55) (205) (285)
D. Livelihood Program
1. Work programs are offered to help 2.20 LI 1.80 LI 3.10 I 1.99 LI
inmates earn to augment one’s family
necessities (May mga pa-trabaho ang
SICA para sa mga interesading preso sa
gayun ay magkaroon ng dagdag kita
para sa pamilya)
2. Inmates are trained to be efficient (Ang 3.88 HI 2.56 I 3.45 HI 2.89 I
mga preso ay inihahanda para maging
mabisa sa mga trabaho)
3. Inmates are trained to be responsible 3.61 HI 2.67 I 3.18 I 2.90 I
and wise in the use of their
profits/earnings (Ang mga preso ay
inihahanda para maging responsible sa
kanilang mga kita sa loob ng SICA)
4. Inmates are being equipped with skills 3.74 HI 2.95 I 3.10 I 3.12 I
to be productive in the community
upon their release (Ang mga preso ay
inihahandang maging produktibo sa
Livelihood Program
The livelihood related programs and activities of the SICA were observed implemented as
evidenced by the area mean of 2.75. It was likewise observed that the inmates are equipped
with skills to be productive in the community upon release (3.12). However, work programs
are offered to help inmates earn to augment one’s family necessities was perceived least
implemented as shown in the area mean of 1.99.
Moreover, in the Philippines, the Bureau of Correction offers a variety of inmate work
programs. The purpose of the inmate work program is to keep the inmates busy, and to
provide them money for their personal expenses and their families as well as help them to
acquire livelihood skills in order that they may become productive citizens once they are
released and assimilated back into the mainstream of society (Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology Manual, Revised, 2007).
It was further stressed that these programs have the potential for successful transitioning
inmates from prison to the world of work.
In the article “Inmates making time worthwhile through livelihood programs,” of Cañizares
(2016), it was mentioned that to make detention time more productive, the Cebu Provincial
Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) launched its bag-making program last Friday.
.A brainchild project of Gov. Hilario Davide III and his wife Jobel, tarpaulins used in campaign
posters are recycled by turning them into grocery bags. It was also mentioned by one of the
inmates that the income may not be big, but at least, they earned something which we can
use for buying our basic needs such as soap. With six electric sewing machines, the CPDRC
tapped the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to teach
inmates on how to sew tarpaulins into grocery bags. The inmates turned campaign billboard
tarpaulins into tents. Moreover, CPDRC had three existing livelihood programs: A bakery
and automobile repair and maintenance shop as well as a facility for making house
ornaments. Decorative items are made of materials from discarded cardboard and papers
hardened by mixing them with leftover rice. Colored plastic bottles and soft drink straws
were also used for building miniatures.
In a similar article, “ALS, livelihood programs enrich lives of Baguio’s female inmates,” of
Fabian (2017) in the Manila Bulletin, she mentioned that for the female inmates at the
Baguio City Jail, various livelihood and educational advancement programs are elevating
their self- esteem despite being put away from mainstream society.
During the recent program on Women’s Month, Jail Senior Inspector April Rose Ayangwa
allowed The Manila Bulletin to take a peek into the daily lives of female inmates which is
filled with so much more worthwhile activities than, perhaps, many in the free world had
ever tried doing. Ayangwa has kept on stressing the need to be constantly reminded that life
could be productive.
And through the various income-generating skills and livelihood programs such as baking,
jewelry making (Rhinestone jewelries and crafts), sewing and tailoring, cross stitching are all
activities made available to them –female inmates’ moral have been given a boost.
She said the more important part of the penal system is not punishment but to make the
inmates more productive and prepare them for reintegration to the society once their
prison terms had been served.
Relative to the findings above, the global center developed the Countering Violent
Extremism in Prisons (CVE-P) Program, which encompasses a series of targeted trainings,
technical assistance, and ongoing support to prison authorities, to improve the
management of VEOs and to effectively identify and address radicalization and recruitment
to violent extremism in prisons. Established in 2015 in cooperation with the Global
Counterterrorism Forum’s Detention and Reintegration Work Group, the program is
founded on the latest, evolving best practices, knowledge, and expertise from correctional
services around the world. Key thematic areas include the management of terrorism-related
offenders, violent extremism risk identification and assessment, risk reduction and
rehabilitative interventions, prison culture, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The Global
Center draws on an international, multidisciplinary team of forensic psychologists, former
prison officials, CVE practitioners, and academic experts (Cole, 2016).
Significant Difference on the Perceptions of SICA personnel, VEIs and Visitors on the
Intervention Programs in Terms of Alternative Learning System(ALS), Interfaith Program,
Sports and Recreation Program; and Livelihood Program
This section presents the answers to the second research problem on the significant
difference on the perceptions of the three groups of respondents.
Table 10
Test of Significant Differences in the Degree of Implementation of the SICA intervention
programs for Violent Extremist Inmates As Perceived by the Respondents
Sum of Degrees of Sum of Mean F-Value Decision Interpretation
Variation Freedom Squares Squares Computed Critical
Between 2 0.792 0.396
Groups Accept There are no significant
Within 9 1.762 0.196 2.020 4.260 Ho differences
Groups
Total 11 2.554 0.592
As shown in Tables 6-9, the SICA personnel and the visitors similarly perceived that the SICA
intervention programs are very highly implemented as shown in the area means of 3.58 and
3.59 respectively while on the other hand, the violent extremist inmates perceived that
these intervention programs are implemented as shown in the area mean of 3.04.
This means that the personnel of SICA believe that they are carrying out all the objectives
and purpose of the different intervention programs for the SICA inmates. Though the
perception of the VEIs is implemented, this is still considered the lowest among the
perceptions of the three groups of respondents. This is due to how the programs are being
carried out.
However, in the F-test, shown in table 10, the computed F-ratio of 2.020 is less than the
tabled F-ratio of 4.260 at 5 percent level of significance, thus, the null hypothesis is
accepted. This means that there are no significant differences in the perceived level of
implementation of the degree of implementation of the SICA intervention programs for
violent extremist inmates as perceived by the respondents considering group.
In the Philippines, the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is the machinery which society uses in
the prevention of crime as well as intervention programs through rehabilitation and
reformation services. It operates by preventing the commission of crimes, and helps in the
apprehension, prosecution, sentencing, and rehabilitation of those who cannot be deterred
from violating the rules of the society. Its pillars are composed of the police, prosecution,
court, corrections, and community. The rehabilitation system is a sub-component of the
corrections pillar (Victor, 2014).
According to Tradio (2016), jails are part of the overall intervention program. They are in
fact, penal institutions. Like other correctional institutions, they hold many prisoners who
are serving sentences; they have a responsibility for their care. In the past, the emphasis of
most jails was on detention. In recent years this tradition role has been redefined and now
the courts and the community in some locales are working to see that their jails develop
intervention and rehabilitative programs.
Based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution in Section 19, Article III, mandates that the
punishment to be imposed upon a convicted accused should not go beyond the borders of
humanity. Thus, excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhumane
punishment be inflicted. The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading
punishment against any inmate or the use of sub-standard or inadequate penal facilities
under sub-human conditions shall be dealt with by law (De Leon, 2015).
The Challenges Encountered in the Implementation of the SICA Intervention Programs for
the Violent Extremist Inmates (VEIs)
This part of the paper presents the answers to the research problem no. 3 on the challenges
encountered in the implementation of the intervention programs of SICA for the inmates.
The researchers made use of thematic analysis (TA) by using coding schemes to come-up
with categories and axial codings.
SICA Personnel
Insufficient Fund for ALS and Livelihood. This was identified by the SICA personnel
as one of the most common challenges encountered in the implementation of the
intervention programs. The insufficiency of fund for the implementation of ALS and
Livelihood affect the quantity and quality of the programs that are delivered to the inmates.
According to one of the personnel of SICA “I think one of the challenges encountered by the
SICA is the shortage of funds that will support the mods for the ALS program and livelihood.”
This indicates factors affecting the implementation and maintenance of the program. It was
also understood that ALS program is carried out at SICA but one SICA personnel stated
“Other persons deprived of liberty or PDLs are lazy to join the classroom discussions.” When
the inmates were asked, they gave a common answer, that the teachings is not suited for
them. According to one inmate “Gusto lang naming matuto kung paano magsulat at
magbasa para magamit naming paglabas na.”This line presupposes a practical conduct of
education or literacy program that would uplift the skills of many inmates in reading and
writing.
Aside from the findings above, the intervention goal of correction has been criticized as
unjust on two principal grounds: (1) individualized (2) predictive restraint. If a sentence is
seen as instrument of treatment, then the amount of punishment require depends on the
individual offender’s need, rather than character of the crime. It is therefore likely that two
people who have committed the same crime will have different levels of treatment. Under
the rehabilitation model, predictive restrained centers on the fact that correctional officials
are given discretion to determine when it is possible for a prisoner’s future behavior to be
free of crime. Such predictions are looked upon as unjust because in the absence of
methods that would permit accurate predictions, persons who will nor repent their offenses
are often held longer than is necessary in jail (Foronda, 2016).
This is the second most encountered challenge as perceived by the SICA personnel. The
insufficiency in the number of personnel affects the implementation of the SICA. According
to one of the SICA personnel on duty during the conduct of the FGD, he stated that one of
the problems encountered in the implementation of the intervention programs activities is
“Lack of personnel to monitor the activities and lack of facilities especially multi-purpose hall
for livelihood and other activities.” Similarly, another personnel said “We encountered
problems such as scheduling of these activities, lack of materials needed with this activities.”
This is an indication that resources really affect the operationalization of the intervention
programs.
Relative to the insufficient number of SICA personnel as one of the problems, the nation was
awakened by horrors when inmates belonging to the ASG at the SICA 1 of Metro Manila
District Jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City initiated a hostage taking last March 15,
2005. This was after their escape plot failed to materialize. During the said incident, 23
detainees, 3 BJMP personnel, and one (1) SAF member were killed. Another incident was in
Makati City Jail. In February 2016, the inmates claimed to have been beaten up by jail
guards and were reportedly injured following the noise barrage that escalated into a riot. In
separate incidents, at least 200 members of the Batang City Jail Gang inside Manila City Jail
staged a noise barrage in September 2016 over a new policy that would segregate its
inmates with cases related to illegal drugs. While in October 2016, another noise barrage
was staged by more than 800 inmates at Navotas City Jail in protest to the ‘Cashless System”
policy of the jail. These situations of correctional facilities will affect every intervention
program that is being implemented.
There are two themes that came up based on the responses of the participants during the
conduct of the FGD.
According to one inmate, “Paiba-iba ang mga nagtuturo sa amin kaya minsan paulit ulit
ang mga tinuturo, hindi tuloy namin napapakinabangan ng husto.” This confirms the
findings wherein the implementation of the intervention programs are not sustained.
Another inmate stated “Paiba-iba ang mga tinuturo minsan kaya kami, hindi na umaatend
ng mga klase naming. Gumagawa nalang kami ng rason.” This statement of the inmate is an
indication of just compliance that may defeat the purpose of the program.
Similarly, pursuant to the BJMP’s Comprehensive Operations Manual (Revised 2015), and in
line with its mission, the bureau endeavors to perform the following functions to wit; to
enhance and upgrade organizational capability on a regular basis, thus, making all BJMP
personnel updated on all advancement in law enforcement eventually resulting in greater
crime solution efficiency and decrease inmate population; to implement strong security
measures for the control of inmates; to provide for the basic needs of inmates; to conduct
activities for the rehabilitation and development of inmates; and to improve jail facilities
and conditions.
This is another theme that came up after the conduct of FGD and KII among the VEI inmates
at SICA in Camp Bagong Diwa. In general, according to majority of the inmates, most of the
intervention programs especially the ALS’s program of instruction or curriculum is not suited
with the kind of inmates inside SICA.
According to one of the inmates, “Ang mga tinuturo sa mga kasama naming sa ALS ay
maganda ngunit kelangan siguro na magkarroon muna ng survey kung ano ang kailangan
ng mga preso at iyon ang bigyan ng pansin.” This comment and suggestion was made by not
only one but few inmates during the conduct of the interview. This would mean that re-
alignment of the topics/contents in teaching the ALS should be in accordance with the
needs analysis that maybe conducted by the SICA administration. This strategy would
scientifically provide the concern that will be addressed.
According to one of the inmates of SICA, a detainee due to the Lamitan Siege, many are
recruited to join the extremist groups because they don’t understand English. The group of
people who are recruiting among the residents are usually using English and Filipino
languages. Some of these are foreigners who are there at the ground to conduct strategic
recruitment. Since most of the residents do not understand English and Filipino languages,
most of them join the group because they want to earn money and not solely on ideology.
Thus, this implies that language barrier is a crucial factor in the recruitment process.
The following were the answers of the SICA inmates’ relatives and/or visitors who
participated during the FGD conducted by the researchers.
According to the relatives and/or visitors of the SICA inmates, they have pointed out that
the ALS program is irregularly conducted among participants of the program at SICA.
The constant interruptions of the implementation of the intervention programs may dismay
the inmates to participate. According to one inmate’s relative, “Ang sabi na aking asawa,
meron daw ALS na ginagawa sa loob pero minsan hindi na pumapasok ang asawa ko kasi,
hindi niya maintindihan ang mga tinuturo kasi gumagamit ang guro ng English na hindi
maintindihan.” Teaching English as a second language is very crucial, it needs to start with
the very basic ones. The audience needs to be known too as to their educational
background, culture and status.
Similarly, according to the key informants, “Sana magfocus ang mga ibang programa sa
mga no read, no write.” The ALS program is intended to all interested inmates who want to
know how to read and write. This program targets those who want to further their basic
education too from elementary to high school. But according to the Warden “We are not
offering in SICA basic education due to fast turn-over of inmates. Inmates come and go.
Because these are all detainees. No convicts here. Nevertheless, we offer some programs
that maybe useful for the inmates.”
Some of the religious programs and activities of SICA inmates are being interrupted due to
some scheduled activities. In this reason, the prison administrations should establish
agreements with religious denominations, and religious representatives should be properly
trained on how to exercise their functions in a prison environment. The number of religious
officials in each prison should reflect the numbers of prisoners of each faith in that prison.
Religious officials may be hired directly by the prison or prison officials when permitted by
law. Alternatively, respected religious leaders from the local community may be allowed to
hold services within the prison. In any case, prison authorities have the right to screen
religious representatives entering prisons in order to prevent violent extremist views from
being disseminated among prisoners. Some prison administrations have developed
competency profiles to use when selecting spiritual counsellors. All groups and individuals
must be subjected to the same screening and review process.
This was pointed out by the inmates’ relatives/visitors to be one of the mostly encountered
problems in the implementation of the SICA intervention programs. Dialogue is very
instrumental in solving small problems in the implementation of the intervention programs.
According to one of the relatives of an inmate, “Palagi akong sinasabihan ng aking asawa
na wala masyadong dialogue na ginaganap sa SICA.” Added by one of the visitors, he said
“Hindi naibibigay ang mga kailangan ng mga inmates kase wala naman kasing pag-uusap
sa pagitan ng mga personnel at mga preso.” This is the belief of the relatives/visitors of the
inmates.
ACTION PLAN
This part of the paper presents the action plan with its rationale, intents, program
components, evaluation, monitoring and assessment, and support system and procedure.
I. Rationale
The radical inmates will continue to radicalize others even when inside jail/prison facilities if
there is no systematic and research based intervention program that will be implemented.
With the growing concern and effort of our government in preventing and countering
violent extremism, there is a need to have a rehabilitation service specifically designed in
handling VEIs in SICA to address the radicalization in jails which will be implemented and
institutionalized upon approval by the BJMP higher authority.
Language is very significant in all forms of communication. Understanding the meaning and
implication of a certain idea is essential. Thus, if people have different languages, it is
possible that some, if not all, cannot understand each other but would rather presume
some meaning based on personal interpretation.
Learning a new language uses the skills one have from learning to read in the first language.
If one cannot read or write in the first language, it may be difficult to learn to read in a
second language. In this case, one may take an English literacy program in your first
language before you start learning English. This is the very reason why this program was
created to equip the inmates with basic literacy particularly focused in English language.
Renewed interest on how and why extremists ends has emerged in parallel with increased
visibility of some new and innovative approaches to counter violent extremism. These are
collectively known, whether for good or bad, as ‘‘de-radicalization programs.’’ However, and
despite their popularity, data surrounding even the most basic of facts about these
programs remains limited.
This action plan presents the overview of the result of a study conducted in the PPSC NPC by
the PS OSEC students. This action plan is not merely a compliance but rather a research
based initiative to help the BJMP particularly the SICA to come-up with literacy program for
its inmates as a tool for deradicalization.
Intents (Objectives/Purposes)
The purpose of this study was to come-up with a responsive “Deradicalization Program for
the VEIs Through English Literacy” at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) of the Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). As per result of the preliminary survey conducted by
the researchers at the SICA and was confirmed by the findings of the study, there is a need
to create a deradicalization program that would address deradicalization particularly on
English Literacy. The English Literacy Program will be a tool for the inmates to understand
the basics of English language. English language is being used during recruitment in the
fields.
It is the objective of this program to educate the inmates on the basic English language as a
means of deradicalization.
Blackboard/
Whiteboard
Chalks/White
board markers
II. Program Outline: The program outline will be Researchers Projector 2,000
A. Phonetic Awareness delivered using words, ideas,
B. Vocabulary sentences related to violent SICA personnel Laptop
C. Fluency extremism.
D. Comprehension Clients Blackboard/
E. Writing The researchers will look into a Whiteboard
trained teacher in English as a Teacher
second language who is also Chalks/White
acquainted with extremism terms board markers
and concepts.
Yellow pad
papers
1. Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear that a spoken word is made up of a series
of discrete sounds. This is not just important in English, but phonemic awareness is critical
for any language that has an alphabetic writing system. Phonemic awareness is an
important component of a good literacy program for a few reasons:
This program asserts that the amount of phonemic awareness that an inmate student has
been exposed to before the start of school is a strong factor in how well that inmate student
will read by the end of the program.
2. Vocabulary
Vocabulary can be defined as the knowledge of words and their meanings. The purpose of
teaching vocabulary is for the inmate students to understand words and to use them to
acquire and convey meaning. Vocabulary is an important component of a literacy program
because the more words that an inmate student knows and understands the more the
inmate student will comprehend when reading. Vocabulary is an important component in a
successful literacy program because:
3. Fluency
Fluency is an inmate student’s ability to effortlessly and correctly read, speak, and write
English. Fluency in reading should include consistent speed, accuracy, and the use of proper
expression. Fluency is achieved when an inmate student is no longer focusing on how to
read. Helping inmate students read fluently is very important to a successful literacy
program. Fluency is linked directly to comprehension, and once it is achieved, an inmate
student can start focusing on the meaning of what they read. Fluency can be achieved by
using a literacy program that combines phonemic awareness and vocabulary. This program
suggests that there is a commonality in fluency research, stating that fluency develops
through lots of reading practice.
4. Comprehension
Comprehension refers to the inmate student’s understanding of what they are reading. This
not only includes reading, but also what is written. Having students attain comprehension of
what they are reading and writing is very important. Comprehension is an important
component of an effective literacy program for a few reasons:
5. Writing
Writing is the process of inmate students generating text, whether on paper or on a screen.
Some studies suggest that reading and writing are interconnected although they have been
taught separately for years. Writing is an important part of a literacy program:
For not much literate persons, writing helps to reinforce phonemic awareness.
For other inmate students, writing can help them understand the kinds of styles of text
they read.
Writing about what an inmate student has read helps develop their reading
comprehension skills.
Writing and reading strengthen and support each other, actively combining all the other
components of a literacy program together.
The program will be run once or twice. Impact assessment will be done among the inmates.
After the 1st and 2nd cycle of implementation of the program, we shall evaluate what part/s
of the program that needs revision/enhancement/maintained.
This program must be implemented, monitored, and assessed for improvement. Once the
program was launched, it must be scientifically analyzed to determine possible lapses, if
any. The shortcomings of the implementation of this program should be addressed in order
to enhance its implementation.
The monitoring and evaluation of the program should be done with documents that will in
turn be used for future references for upgrades and enhancement of the program.
Support System and Procedures (Policies, Rules, SOP, Partnership, etc.) and Intervention
For the effective implementation of this program inside SICA, the researchers requested the
cooperation and participation of the Warden of SICA and its personnel. The SICA
administration is of great help to identify the inmates that are qualified to undergo the
program.
A request letter was sent to the Warden of SICA for the implementation of this program. It
was the SICA admin that identified the beneficiaries of this program. The inmates who are
qualified undergone the orientation, they have consented to the program. All inmates who
agreed to undergo the said program were required to finish the duration of the program.
Since it was found out that most of the inmates are not attending the Alternative Learning
System (ALS), this program was developed to address such problem. Most of the inmates
who were interviewed and who responded in this study, they have said that they were
radicalized by lefty groups because they were not able to understand English language
during the recruitment process. This made them part of many radicalized groups in the
southern part of the country. With such premise, the researchers came up with a program
that contains scientific program of instruction but will be delivered in the level of illiterate
people to understand terms and concepts of English Literacy that is focused in violent
extremism.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The SICA personnel and the VEIs relatives/visitors similarly perceived that the SICA
intervention programs are “highly implemented” as shown in the area means of 3.58 and
3.59 respectively while on the other hand, the VEIs perceived that these intervention
programs are “implemented” as shown in the area mean of 3.04.
2. As to the Significant Difference on the Perceptions of SICA Personnel, VEIs and Visitors
on the Intervention Programs.
The significant difference in the perceptions of the groups of respondents was done through
an F-test. The computed F-ratio of 2.020 is less than the tabled F-ratio of 4.260 at 5 percent
level of significance, thus, the null hypothesis is accepted. This means that there are no
significant differences in the perceived level of implementation of the degree of
implementation of the SICA intervention programs for violent extremist inmates as
perceived by the respondents considering group.
As perceived by the SICA personnel, the challenges that are encountered in the
implementation of the intervention programs includes the insufficient fund for the
programs on ALS and livelihood activities and insufficient number of SICA personnel who are
in-charge in the implementation of the intervention programs; As perceived by the SICA
VEIs, the challenges includes the non-sustainability of intervention programs and conduct of
simple and suited ALS for inmates; and as perceived by the VEIs’ relatives/visitors, the
CONCLUSIONS
1. Only selected intervention programs are implemented at the Special Intensive Care Area
(SICA) for the Violent Extremist Inmates (VEIs). This is due to the nature of the cases of
the inmates inside the correctional facility.
2. Considering the implementation of the SICA intervention programs, the perceptions of
the SICA personnel and VEIs’ relatives/visitors came out similar due to the fact that
personnel are the implementers of such programs. On the other hand, the
relatives/visitors of the inmates has limited knowledge on what are the intervention
programs and how these programs are implemented.
3. The Alternative Learning System or ALS was perceived to be the most important
intervention programs among those that are implemented inside the SICA. As perceived
by the participants, the ALS needs enhancement as a tool for deradicalization of the
Violent Extremist Inmates.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are forwarded:
1. The ALS program should be strengthened by partnering SICA with a certain school that
will draft a program of instructions based on the needs of the inmates;
2. The religious activities inside the SICA must be maintained in order to continuously build
the foundation of the spiritual being of the inmates regardless of religious affiliations;
3. The sports and recreational activities should be conducted regularly in order to build
friendship and camaraderie between and among personnel and co-inmates;
4. The livelihood program should be implemented in a way that the working inmates can
earn to help themselves and their respective families;
5. To adopt the Literacy De-radicalization Program based on the major findings of this
study. This program would augment the Alternative Learning System of the SICA in a
form of practically addressing the literacy of the selected inmates; and
6. Further study to be conducted that will focus on the ALS and Livelihood Programs of the
SICA.
REFERENCES
A. Books
Bryans, D. (2016). Handbook on the Management of Violent Extremist Prisoners and the
Prevention of Radicalization to Violence in Prisons. Criminal Justice Series. New York:
United Nations
Cole, G. F. (2016). The American system of criminal justice. USA: Brooks and Cole Publishing
Company.
De Leon, H. S. (2015). Textbook on the Philippine constitution. Manila: Rex Book Store,
Inc.
De Leon, R. (2015). Character and Competency Framework for Policing and Public Safety
Administration in the Philippines. Manila: FPR Publishing.
Gahar, L. D., (2013). Handbook on Institutional Correction. Quezon City Philippines: Rex Book
Store, Inc.
Newman, D. J. & Anderson, P.R. (2014). Introduction to criminal justice (4rth ed). USA:
Random House, Inc.
Peak, K. J. & Glensor, R. W. (2015). Community policing and problem solving (2nd ed). New
Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Seigel, L. (2016). Introduction to Criminology and Typology of Crimes. New York: West
Publishing Company
Weber, R. (2014). A redefinition in problems, thoughts and processes in criminal justice. New
York: Paramus.
Weisheit, R. & Mahan, S. (2013). Women, crime and criminal justice. Ohio: Anderson
Publishing Co.
Arro, J. L., Enriquez, F. R. R., & Khita, S. G. (2017). Strengthening the Intervention Programs
to Address Radicalization of Detainees in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
Manned Jails in Camp Bagong Diwa: A Unified Approach. Unpublished Master’s thesis,
National Police College, Silang, Cavite.
Cadiz, P. D. (1994). Adult probation services in Ifugao. Unpublished master’s thesis. Baguio
Central University. Baguio City.
Flora, R. T. (2015). The Crime Situation in the City of San Fernando, La Union. Unpublished
master’s thesis, University of Baguio.
Sannad, R. P. (2002). The Rehabilitation program of the Parole and Probation Administration
of Urdaneta City. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Baguio, Philippines.
Soliba Jr., A.D. (1995). Jail services in the Baguio City Jail. Unpublished master’s thesis.
Baguio Central University, Philippines.
Versoza, A.S. (1999). Rehabilitation measures of Quirino Provincial Jail (QPJ). Unpublished
master’s thesis. University of Lasallette. Santiago City.
C. Journals/Magazines/Newspapers
De Leon, R. (2015). The Philippine Public Safety Review. The PPSC Official Journal. PPSC. Vol.
2 No. 2
Villalobos, G. K. P. (2010). Criminal Justice Journal. The official publication of the National
Police Commission (a special issue) 1999-2000.
Caparas, D. L. A. (2015) “Participation of the Public and Victims for More Fair and Effective
Criminal Justice Administration in the Philippines” National Police Commission, retrieved
on February 2, 2018 at http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no56/56-20.pdf
Coalter, F. (2001). Realising the potential of cultural services: the case of sport. London, Pga
publications.
Coalter, F. (2005). The social benefits of sport: an overview to inform the community
planning process. Edinburgh, SportScotland.
June 14, 2016, Tuesday | by: Kelvin Cañizares “Inmates making time worthwhile through
livelihood programs,” https://www.cebu.gov.ph/news/inmates-making-time-worthwhile-
livelihood-programs/
Marcos, P. L. (2015). Corrections set-up in the Philippines. Retrieved on May 10, 2018 from
http.//www.communityarts.net/quotes/ archivefiles/corrections/index.php
Republic Act No. 9263 Otherwise known as “An act providing for the
professionalization of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Scottish Prison Service (2002). The health promoting prison: a framework for promoting
health in the Scottish prison service. Edinburgh, Health Education Board for Scotland,
Woodburn House-Canaan Lane.
Smith, Peter S. (2004) Isolation and Mental Illness in Vridsloselelle 1859-1873: a new
perspective on the breakthrough of the modern penitentiaryScandinavian Journal of
History 2004 29(1): 1-25 25p.
UNAFEI Newsletter No. 116 (Feb. 2016) “Crime Prevention. The 21st Century – Effective
Prevention of Crime Associated with Urbanization Based Upon Community Involve and
Prevention of Youth Crime and Juvenile Delinquency
World Health Organization (2003). Health and development though physical activity and
sport. Geneva, Wito document production services.