IWAHIG PRISON AND PENAL FARM “The Prison Without Walls”
History Presentation Title 2
History The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm was founded in 1904 by the Americans as a colonial prison facility in the Philippines. Back then, it was known as the “ Iwahig Penal Colony.” In 1955, Administrative Order No. 20 was promulgated by the President and implemented by the Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This order allowed the distribution of colony lands for cultivation by deserving colonists. The order also contained a list of qualifications for colonists who wished to apply for a lot to cultivate, the conditions for the settler’s stay in his land, loan requirements and marketing of the settlers’ produce. Lots granted did not exceed six hectares.
On August 16, 1959, a committee was created by President Carlos P. Garcia to study the state of national prisons. Accordingly, prisoners in Iwahig were divided into two groups: the settlers and colonists. 3
KEY EVENTS 1904: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is established by Captain G.C. Reul , an American military officer, as a penal colony in Palawan, Philippines. 1929 : The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm becomes known for its focus on agricultural self-sufficiency, with prisoners cultivating crops and tending to livestock to meet their own food needs. 1960s: Governor Ramon Mitra Sr. implements reforms to expand agricultural production, introduce new industries, and improve living conditions for inmates at Iwahig . 4
1970s-1980s : Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm continues to evolve as a model penal colony, with initiatives aimed at rehabilitation, education, and productive work for inmates. 1990s: The Philippine government implements various reforms in the penal system, including changes to sentencing laws and rehabilitation programs. 2000s: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm adapts to changing times, with continued emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and skills training for inmates. Present: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm remains operational, serving as a facility for the incarceration, rehabilitation, and reintegration of convicted individuals in the Philippines. Presentation Title 5
Governor Luke Wright Governor Luke Wright authorized the establishment of a penal colony in the province of Palawan on
November 16, 1904. This penal settlement, which originally comprised an area of 22 acres, originally
served as a depository for prisoners who could not be accommodated at the Bilibid Prison in Manila. 6
Superintendent Lt. George Wolfe The institution had for its first Superintendent Lt. George Wolfe, a member of the U.S. expeditionary force, who later became the first prisons director. Governor Luke Wright authorized the establishment of a penal colony in the province of Palawan on November 16, 1904. 7
SUPERINTENDENT GARRY GARCIA Current superintendent of the iwahig prison and penal farm 8
Size of ippf About Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
The facility was originally established in 1902 during the American occupation of the Philippines. In 1906, it was transformed into the central compound of the ‘free-living’ penal colony. Since then, the penal settlement has grown from 22 acres to now over 70,000 acres! 9
Iwahig is subdivided into four zones or districts: Central sub- colony with an area of 14,700 hectares; Sta. Lucia with 9,685 hectares; Montible with 8,000 hectares and Inagawan with 13,000 hectares. 10
Settlers a “settler” in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm refers to an inmate who has chosen to live in the settlement area of the prison, rather than the main compound. Settlers are usually those who have completed their sentences but have opted to stay in the prison community, either due to lack of outside support or because they have established a life within the settlement, which may include family members who also reside there. Settlers often contribute to the community through various activities, such as farming, handicrafts, or other forms of work. 11
Colonist A “colonist” typically refers to an inmate who has been granted certain privileges within the prison community, such as being allowed to live in a separate housing area, engage in agricultural work, or even operate small businesses within the prison grounds. Colonists often have demonstrated good behavior and may have been given additional responsibilities or freedoms as a result. 12
Activities The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm offers various activities for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) aimed at rehabilitation, skill-building, and productivity. Some of these activities include: 1. Agricultural Work : PDLs engage in farming activities such as planting, tending to crops, and harvesting agricultural produce. This not only provides food for the facility but also teaches valuable agricultural skills. 2. Livelihood Programs: There may be programs in place to teach PDLs various vocational skills such as carpentry, handicraft making, sewing, or other trades to help them acquire skills for potential employment upon release. 13
3. Education: The facility may offer educational programs including basic literacy classes, high school equivalency programs (GED), or vocational training courses to help PDLs continue their education and improve their prospects for reintegration into society. 4. Sports and Recreation : Sports and recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, or other team sports may be available to promote physical health, teamwork, and camaraderie among the PDLs. 5. Religious Programs : Spiritual and religious services or programs may be offered to support the spiritual well-being of the PDLs. Presentation Title 14
Security protocol The security protocol of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is designed to maintain order, ensure the safety of inmates and staff, and prevent escapes. While specific details may vary, typical security measures include: Perimeter Security: The facility is surrounded by high walls or fences topped with barbed wire or other deterrents to prevent unauthorized entry or escape. Guard Towers: Guard towers are strategically positioned around the perimeter to provide surveillance and monitoring of the facility grounds. 15
Access Control: Access to the prison is tightly controlled, with entry and exit points manned by security personnel. Visitors, staff, and supplies are typically subject to screening and identification checks. Surveillance Systems: CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment may be installed throughout the facility to monitor activity and deter misconduct. Patrols: Security staff conduct regular patrols inside the prison compound to maintain order, respond to emergencies, and ensure compliance with rules and regulations. 16
Searches: Random or scheduled searches of inmates, cells, and common areas are conducted to confiscate contraband and maintain security. Emergency Response: Protocols are in place to respond to emergencies such as riots, fires, medical emergencies, or escape attempts. Staff are trained in emergency procedures, and drills may be conducted regularly to ensure preparedness. Presentation Title 17
Life of the pdl The income of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm typically comes from various sources within the prison community. These may include wages earned from agricultural work, handicrafts, or other forms of labor performed within the prison. Additionally, some PDLs may generate income through small businesses or enterprises operated within the prison grounds, such as selling goods or services to other inmates or visitors. It’s also possible for PDLs to receive financial support from family members or outside organizations. 18
Iwahig encourages a sense of community among inmates, with communal living arrangements and opportunities for cooperative work and social interaction. This approach contrasts with the more regimented and isolated environment of many traditional prisons. 19
Principal product Corn, Rice, Copra, Logs and Minor forest products and Cattle Presentation Title 20
Barrio libertad Barrio Libertad is an area that used to house inmates at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), where their families stayed with them, The “Barrio Libertad” in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is a space or area within the facility where some persons deprived of liberty (PDL) reside. It’s a kind of community within the prison, with its own way of life and governance, where PDLs may have more freedom of movement and larger living spaces compared to the main prison compound. In Barrio Libertad, PDLs can build their homes, cultivate crops, and participate in various community activities such as education, economic productivity, or livelihood programs. It’s a way of providing opportunities for PDLs to engage in meaningful activities while incarcerated. The presence of the Barrio Libertad settlement area within Iwahig allows for greater autonomy and self-governance among inmates who choose to live there. This unique feature promotes a sense of responsibility and community among those who reside in the settlement. 21