Ep 2. Philippines: The War on Drugs Prison

In season 5 episode 2 of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons, viewers are taken inside the walls of a prison in the Philippines that serves as a stronghold in President Duterte's war on drugs. The episode showcases this facility, which is home to over 11,000 inmates, including many who have been arrested for drug-related offenses. This prison is considered one of the toughest in the world due to the overcrowding, harsh conditions, and rampant corruption that exists within its walls.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the daily struggles of both inmates and guards as they attempt to navigate this challenging environment. The program highlights the various tactics employed by the inmates to survive, including bribery, violence, and forming gangs for protection. The guards are shown attempting to maintain a semblance of order, often resorting to force to subdue the inmates and prevent riots. The prison officials themselves are also under intense scrutiny, with many being accused of being complicit in the drug trade and accepting bribes from inmates.

The episode explores the wider implications of Duterte's war on drugs in the Philippines and the impact it has had on prisons throughout the country. With thousands of people being arrested on drug-related charges each year, prisons like the one featured in this episode have become overwhelmed, and human rights abuses have been widely reported.

Despite the challenges, the episode also highlights the resilience of some of the inmates and the dedication of some of the prison staff who are working to make a difference. We see individuals who have been able to turn their lives around while in prison and are using their experiences to help others. At the same time, we see guards who are working hard to maintain order and ensure the safety of inmates, often in difficult circumstances.

Overall, this episode of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons offers a stark look at the realities of the war on drugs in the Philippines and the impact it is having on the prison system in the country. It is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing those charged with maintaining order in such a challenging environment and the human cost of these policies.