Freedom and Death Inside the Jail.pdf - The Action Program for ...

Fire: Structural Responses
jail, e.g., ang takot sa Diyos ay simula ng karunungan (fear of God
is the source of wisdom).
These terms and phrases give one a picture of the general psyche
of inmates. Their take on security is reflected in cautionary phrases
like magbasa kahit walang letra or, loosely translated, “read between
the lines.” This applies to the inmates’ uncanny ability to
determine whether tension is brewing simply by looking at the
movement of other inmates.
At the same time, inmates have terms invoking order and discipline.
They have takal, basag, balila, and padlock to refer to
several forms of punishment. These terms suggest the inmates’
own idea of a justice system.
The psychological state of mind of inmates may be gauged
through the prevalent use of such term as buryong or boredom.
They have their own coping mechanism as expressed in the adage
“Kung hindi ka nila kayang unawain, unawain mo sila,” which
encourages inmates to take on a mature and selfless attitude in
life: Understand others if they do not understand you.
Certain practices in jail are described in such terms as balukol,
matik, hirit, and buraot. These all refer to the different forms of
bribery, the most effective means of getting things done in jail.
Inmates already know by instinct when to give jail officers money
without being asked.
Inmates have their own
way of articulating
their feelings, needs,
attitudes, and beliefs.
They have their own
language.
113