Only action for justice will save jail children from abuse 
The Universe
(February 05, 2006)
It was another hard day visiting the jails and prisons of Metro Manila. I was tired and sweating profusely from the incredible humidity of the cramped prisons buildings.
The tiny barred windows, too small for a human to cut and crawl through, blocked light and ventilation. The air was heavy with moisture. The TB virus makes its way from one to another, marking them for a slow death.
These cells are so cramped and overcrowded only half of those inside can lie down at any one time. Grime-encrusted fans tied to the bars is all there are to keep the hundreds of half-naked bodies of condemned humanity from going mad in the stifling heat.
Until recently boys, some as young as 10, were forced to share these unbearable conditions. The hardened prisoners - rapists, killers and thieves - forced themselves on these young kids in the small toilet one by one. Others were taken into cubicles and abused there; resistance would result in a torrent of invective and a severe beating.
“I fought them off”, one boy of 14 told me, showing the bruises and scars he suffered to preserve his dignity and resist the rape. Many others were held down “They put a pillow over my head and I couldn't see who did it to me,” one small 12-year-old, now safe at the Preda center, told me.
The campaign to help the children gain freedom from these dangerous and sub-human dungeons and the televised reports on ITV and CNN caused outrage in England and across Europe and the United States.
But the sleeping elephant of Philippine bureaucracy hardly stirred itself. Our request for the use of an abandoned government building for an additional children's home has fallen on deft ears.
One positive development was the passing of the proposed law to raise the age of consent from nine to 15 and make it a criminal violation to jail children.
Another has been the setting aside of separate cells for minors. I was shocked to find that the gate of the children’s cell was unlocked and adult prisoners could come and go. Sexual abuse of the children was still as rampant as ever.
With some exceptions, these cells are about the size of a large bathroom, 18 feet by 12. I visited yet another and found 25 young boys cramped together, squatting on the concrete floor or on shelves rising to the hot tin roof. A small television is their only relief from insanity. There are no recreational activities, no daily exercise, no education or vocational work. Total boredom and mental problems are obvious.
Preda workers always appeal to the judge to release the youngest first, as they are the most vulnerable. Those saved and now in our children's home told how the older boys dominate the younger ones and sexually abuse them. I told the older boys that they will be charged if the youngsters report abuse.
It is only when good people of conscience decide to work for justice and help change this system that the children will be safe. [End]
