Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons Season 2 Episode 2 South Cotabato Jail, Philippines

Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons is a gripping documentary series that explores some of the most notorious prisons across the globe. In season 2, episode 2, viewers are taken inside the South Cotabato Jail in the Philippines.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Philippines and its prison system, which is infamous for its severe overcrowding and harsh conditions. With more than 215,000 inmates across the country, the Philippines has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.

The focus then shifts to the South Cotabato Jail, which is located in the southern part of the country and is home to more than 2,000 inmates. The prison was originally built to hold just 360 inmates, but due to the country's tough sentencing laws and lack of resources, it is now severely overcrowded.

Inside the prison, viewers are introduced to some of the inmates, including a young man who was convicted of drug trafficking and has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. He talks about the challenges of living in such close quarters with thousands of other inmates, and the constant fear of violence and disease.

The episode also profiles some of the prison staff, who work long hours in difficult conditions for very little pay. One of the staff members is a female guard who talks about the dangers of working in a men's prison, and her experiences dealing with violent inmates.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the bleak and dangerous conditions inside the South Cotabato Jail. Overcrowding is so severe that many inmates are forced to sleep on the floor, and the prison is rife with disease and malnutrition. Violence is also a constant threat, with inmates fighting over limited resources and some even resorting to murder.

Despite the grim conditions, some inmates have found a way to make the best of their situation. One group of men has formed a band, using whatever instruments they can find to create music and lift their spirits. Another group of inmates has set up a makeshift gym, using old tires and other discarded materials to work out.

Overall, the episode offers a sobering look at one of the toughest prisons in the world. It highlights the challenges that inmates and staff face on a daily basis, and raises important questions about the effectiveness of the country's criminal justice system. Despite the hardship and danger, however, many of the inmates demonstrate resilience and determination to survive and even thrive in the face of adversity.