Ep 2. South Cotabato Jail, Philippines

Behind Bars is a documentary television series that takes viewers inside some of the most dangerous and notorious prisons around the world. In season 2, episode 2, the focus shifts to the South Cotabato Jail in the Philippines.

The episode begins by introducing us to the jail itself, which is located in the city of Koronadal. We learn that the jail was built to hold around 150 inmates but is now home to nearly 500, making it crowded and extremely dangerous.

One of the key figures in the episode is the jail's warden, a tough and no-nonsense woman named Jail Chief Inspector Shirley Banas. Banas has been in charge of the jail for six months, and she is doing her best to reform the institution and improve conditions for both inmates and guards.

However, she faces significant challenges. The jail is severely understaffed, with just 28 guards to manage hundreds of inmates. As a result, violence and drug abuse are rampant, and many inmates are forced to sleep in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

Despite these challenges, Banas remains dedicated to making a difference. She has introduced new reforms, such as a rehabilitation program for drug users and an education program to help inmates earn high school diplomas.

One of the key stories in the episode follows Arde Hasan, an inmate who has been in South Cotabato Jail for eight years. Hasan is in jail for murder, and he has struggled to maintain his sanity in the harsh and stressful environment.

Banas has taken a personal interest in Hasan's case and has worked to provide him with counseling and support. However, she faces resistance from both other inmates and some of her own staff, who view Hasan as a dangerous criminal who deserves punishment, not mercy.

The episode also features interviews with other inmates, including drug users and gang members, who share their stories and perspectives on life inside the jail. Many of these prisoners talk about the harsh realities of life in Filipino jails, including the prevalence of violence and the lack of access to basic necessities like food and water.

Overall, the episode is a powerful and eye-opening look at the struggles faced by both inmates and guards in South Cotabato Jail. It highlights the difficult and often heartbreaking choices that these individuals must make every day, as well as the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of reform and rehabilitation.