Gonzalez OKs center for women inmates in Davao
November 25, 2004
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez agreed to the request of Women Network Group (WomynNet), an NGO based in Davao City, for the establishment of a women’s correctional institute in Mindanao.
As observed by WomynNet, women convicts from the South are brought to Mandaluyong City where the women’s correctional facility is located. Due to the distance from their hometowns, they virtually end all contact with their loved ones and their families. Under such stressful conditions, the rehabilitation process becomes doubly difficult.
Gonzalez revealed that setting up facilities that will help rehabilitate the inmates is one of the priorities he envisioned for the Bureau of Correction (BuCor), a DOJ attached agency. This will raise the living standard of women inmates and hasten their integration into mainstream society. The DOJ Secretary favorably endorsed the request of WomynNet for a suitable 10-hectare site inside the Davao Penal Colony subject to confirmation by BuCor Chief Director Vicente Vinarao.
“This is a humane approach to the concept of rehabilitation. We are focusing on women because they are the most vulnerable. We owe it to God and to our Constitution to apply special treatment to women inmates because of their distinct personal and emotional needs,” Gonzalez said.
The Justice Secretary also added that this will improve the situation of women prisoners of whom more than 80% are mothers with children under 18 years old, while some are pregnant. He said this facility should also be used for young children who may find themselves in conflict with the law.
WomynNet informed Gonzalez of the support of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who pledged P3 million for the project. DALAS or the Davao Lady Lawyers’ Association is the main proponent of this project, plus a host of other NGOs. WomynNet convenors are led by Sr. Josephine Bacaltos RGS, Judge Adoracion C. Abisado of RTC-Branch 9, and Patria G. Montemayor.
Gonzalez is also focusing on the alarming rise in the trafficking of women especially minors as reported in news reports, the blatant sale of pornographic materials in Metro Manila streets and in the internet, and is reviewing various laws covering such crimes. NDD
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