Surviving Behind Bars: Life in the Philippines' Toughest Women's Prison

🔒The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City is the oldest and largest women's prison in the Philippines.

💰Prisoners are allowed personal possessions worth up to 2,000 pesos ($35), which can be used to purchase items from the prison shops.

🚪The prison consists of three security areas: minimum security, medium security, and maximum security.

📝Each dorm in the prison is controlled by a prisoner who has special rights and can even punish fellow prisoners if necessary.

📊Over 3,000 prisoners are watched over by just 20 guards per shift, making it a constant challenge to maintain control and prevent escape or violence.

What are the conditions like in the Philippines' toughest women's prison?

—The conditions in the prison are difficult, with overcrowding, strict rules, and a constant threat of violence. Prisoners have limited personal possessions and live in small quarters.

What is the daily routine for prisoners in the prison?

—Prisoners have a strict daily routine that includes waking up early, morning prayers, showering, meetings, and counting. They have limited freedom during the day but must follow the rules and stay out of trouble.

What are the security measures in place to prevent escape or violence?

—The prison has regular counts throughout the day to ensure all prisoners are accounted for. Guards follow protocols if a prisoner is missing, and strict rules are enforced to confiscate any potential weapons or contraband.

Can prisoners buy items from the outside?

—Prisoners are only allowed to purchase items from the prison shops using their allotted personal possessions worth up to 2,000 pesos ($35). There is a variety of goods available, including fresh produce, snacks, and hygiene products.

How do prisoners cope with the challenges of living in the prison?

—Prisoners try to adapt to the difficult conditions by following the rules, avoiding trouble, and finding support among their fellow inmates. They make the most of the limited resources available to them and strive to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

00:07Introduction to the toughest women's prison in the Philippines, the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

05:12Overview of the crowded living conditions in the prison and the challenges faced by prisoners.

08:57Entrance into the prison and the strict protocols followed to maintain control and prevent escape.

13:05Explanation of the daily routine for prisoners and the importance of following the rules.

18:17Description of the prison's economy, including the shops where prisoners can purchase goods.

19:38Insight into the challenges of sharing small spaces and beds with other prisoners.

20:09Importance of following the rules and playing by the prison's system to survive and maintain peace.

16:00Security measures in place to prevent escape and violence, including regular counts and strict confiscation of potential weapons.