Up until quite recently children in the Philippines who were convicted of criminal offences were treated in exactly the same way as Adults. If their crime merited prison then they were sent to adult prisons.
A few years ago the Documentary Bunso brought this situation to light. It is perhaps the most disturbing film I've ever watched. The film follows the stories of three young boys being held in a Filippino prison. I have attached a short clip at the end of this post but I recommend that you see the whole film if you can find it.
In response to this film, and to the disquiet of those working in the prison service here things have changed.
Today Steph and I went to visit Operation Second Chance which is what we would call in the UK a Young Offenders' Centre. Conditions are still harsh, 169 boys and 5 girls are kept in quite cramped conditions, occupying large communal cells. Facilities are very limited, they had not been able to wash for seven days because there is a problem with the water supply. However crucially these young people are separated from the adult prisoners.
Operation Second Chance is a government run centre, however the Salesians are very involved in the work which takes place there. There is a (nearly) full-time member of staff there funded by the Salesians. They have provided a woodworking workshop and a library where education and skills training can take place.
The Salesians are also involved in the rehabilitation of the boys after they leave the centre, they have a home which accepts the boys after they are released.
I just don't know know what to say in response to your blog and the film clip, as life is just so terrible for them. I can only be thankful that people like the Salesians are there working with these children and giving some hope in their awful situation.
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