Closer look at IDs of ‘conjugal visitors’ in jail

IDENTIFICATION cards issued to visitors of the  Cebu provincial jail will be inspected more closely, especially those for “conjugal visitors” —   spouses or live-in partners of inmates.

This was the offshoot of a complaint of a 33-year-old woman from General Santos City who said she was brought to the jail and offered for sex to  inmates.

She was allowed inside because she had a visitor’s ID that identified her as a live-in partner of one of the detainees.

Capitol consultant on Jail Matters Jose Marie Gastardo said he was looking into the matter.

“We welcome the issue raised by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale because it affects the image of CPDRC… We are not tolerating it… We will review visitor’s IDs and revoke it if it occurs,” he told reporters.

The woman, who is believed to be a victim of human trafficking, sought assistance from Magpale last Monday, and is now in the care of  International Justice Mission volunteers.

“We will go after those involved and who knowingly allowed the commitment of the said act,” Gastardo said.

He said there’s  no need for the Committee on Discipline and Investigation (CODI) to step in yet.

The woman was recruited by a native of a northern Cebu town who had promised her a job in the city.

Instead the woman was given a CPDRC visitor’s ID by her recruiter and told to pose as a live-in-partner of one of the inmates.

Gastardo said the woman was given a visitor’s pass on the basis of a barangay certificate that identified her as a live-in-partner of an inmate for 13 years.

Married couples have to submit their marriage certificates, he said, to get a visitor’s ID. Live-in partners should present a certification from their respective barangays.

Magpale’s consultant for women and children, Chad Estella, said the woman is still traumatized.

“She’s afraid of the network from both inside and outside.. We’ll take it slowly,” he said.

“After psychosocial intervention, she will be asked  to execute an affidavit,” Estella said.