By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

THE Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) is awaiting the order of the court to send to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) inmates who are suffering from mental problems.

 

Atty. Soteo Gardoce, IRC warden, said of the 37 inmates examined by doctors of the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), 16 were confirmed to have mental problems. The others are undergoing further evaluation.

 

The latest inmate diagnosed with mental problem due to depression last month is a rape suspect.

 

Gardoce said the inmates-cum-patients are isolated in eight cells to prevent them from mingling with other inmates.

 

“They might beat other inmates because of their condition. Worse if they get beaten by other detainees, so we have to isolate them,” Gardoce said.

 

Gardoce said they cannot send the inmates to the NCMH in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila sans court orders.

 

The IRC warden said the trials of the inmates suffering from mental problems are suspended because of their condition.

 

“For the meantime, the provincial government is spending for their treatment until they are brought to Mandaluyong City,” Gardoce added. 

 

Governor Niel Tupas Sr. said the doctors of WVMC should submit their report to the courts so they can send the inmates to NCMH.

 

Tupas said he summoned Dr. Jose Mari Fermin, WVMC medical director, to discuss the conditions of the inmates.

 

Some of the inmates can barely stand because of the lack of exercise and exposure to the sun.

 

Gardoce said they will try to give the isolated inmates sunning and exercise privileges.