Polibiz
Stand by your man
A small group of prisoners made a noise barrage last Monday at the new Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) in Brgy. Nanga, Pototan to press their unreasonable demands against the provincial government.
Through the lawyer of one of the inmates, a group of reporters were reportedly brought to the new IRC to cover a big event, a supposed disturbing jail riot.
With a script to follow, just like in a movie, some scenes deliberately occurred in cinematic sequences for the benefit of the visiting members of the media.
One inmate ignited a blanket to symbolize their grievances against jail warden Col. Juan "Johnny" Mabugat. They dropped the blanket burning with flames for the benefit of the reporters as if sending a message in a terroristic manner: "Take a look guv--what we have done. Give in to our demands or else..."
In another cell the inmates destroyed the double-deck beds and made them into sharp blades to harass and intimidate the jail guards.
It was a collective effort by the prisoners involved. They wanted to set their own rules of running the penitentiary.
For them to become convincing in their grievances they must execute a "show," hence the invitation of selective clowns from various media entities.
Honestly, I found their complaints and demands unfounded, if not totally ridiculous.
For where in the world could you find prisoners so gutsy--demand for a ref and on top of this a television set in every cell? Can you imagine that? What a bunch of spoiled brats!
Even on the rationing of foods, they wanted something extra deliciously served to them to satisfy their appetite. Understandably, they missed the kind of food they have been used to before their entry in jail.
They wanted the head of Col. Mabugat get chopped. They found the man stubbornly defiant of their unreasonable demands.
Mabugat, on the other hand, was never intimidated nor submitted himself to face their kind of music.
Back in the old capitol days, Johnny was similarly persecuted by some unscrupulous power to be, perceived to be closed political allies of Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. since his congressional days.
They would fabricate damaging stories against Johnny and together start whispering close enough to be heard by Manong Niel. They probably thought the old man was fickle-minded that could easily be persuaded because of his impaired sense of hearing.
At one time they would utilize their "friends" from the media to hit Johnny below the belt. They concocted stories that Johnny was more interested to keep the bigger part of the budget intended for the inmates, hence resulted to a poor quality of food rationing.
It turned out the pythonic "twins" of the capitol wanted themselves get a concessionaire as part of their grand design to discredit Johnny Mabugat.
Much to their surprise, Manong Niel refused to entertain their hissing style of treachery against their colleague. Unknown to them Johnny was like a son to the governor. The latter knows him--heart and soul.
At the end of the day the governor has rendered his Solomonic wisdom. He eventually rid of the pythons long been creeping in his midst. The sooner he exonerated these parasites out of his system the better for his effective governance.
Meanwhile, the event currently taking place at the new IRC is still a remnant of the "mayor de mayores" traditional system long been practiced by the prisoners since time immemorial.
Johnny had to break this old rotten system with political will if he really means business--no ifs and buts in between. He has to implement what was really appropriate within the bound rules of penology.
Some inmates feeling superior over the rest immediately made a howl of protest. They wanted the old system retained. It makes them feel secure having weaklings who can easily be intimidated at the wag of their tails.
The visit of the governor at the prison site yesterday reflected his concern for the predicament of the prisoners. He himself found the real picture.
What came out on print contradicted the reality.
It was a noise barrage by a handful of disgruntled elements of the underworld. Their complaint was a plain and simple deprivation of the comfort in life while still in the mainstream of the decent society.
These prisoners have forfeited their rights upon commission of the crimes, yet, at the same time yearn for luxury (defined: freedom). Bad for you, the governor stood by his man.