|
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tan shows off skill in kung fu in CPDRC
By Jeanette P. Malinao
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
Wearing a black shirt and pants, suspected shabu laboratory financier Calvin Tan yesterday emerged from an orange sea of 1,556 inmates to perform martial arts he set aside for 15 years now: kung fu.
A few minutes before Tan, fellow shabu laboratory suspect Simon Lao’s voice filled the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) as he sang for Capitol consultant Byron Garcia the Chinese version of “Happy Birthday.”
Female inmates danced to the Madonna hit “Material Girl,” minor detainees did somersaults and gay prisoners did a lip synch and dance number of “I Will Survive.”
Impressed
The CPDRC detainees lined up yesterday not only to do several physical fitness exercise numbers but also to march like police officers in a pass-in review.
Impressed by the inmates’ show of discipline and cooperation, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia announced that she is restoring the family day at the jail, a privilege that she canceled for more than a year now.
This was applauded by the inmates, who said they are already looking forward to spending some time with their loved ones.
The CPDRC was transferred from M.J. Cuenco Ave. to Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City in December 2004 after a sit-down strike that brought the police, firemen and the military to the facility.
First
It was Calvin Tan’s first public performance yesterday and the first time that he openly spoke to members of the media.
“It’s my first time after 15 years. Medyo nervous but it feels good,” said Tan.
He was a member of a martial arts team in China, in the province of Fujien. The kung fu he performed was equivalent to the kamagong sports in the Philippines, Tan said.
Tan revealed that he practiced for a week before yesterday’s activity. It was the only time that he was able to mingle with fellow inmates because he is in an isolation cell.
“I usually do not go out of my cell,” he added, before joining his new lawyer Gloria Lastimosa-Dalawampu.
Byron, in his speech, noted the pride inmates must have felt after seeing the “fruits of their cooperation.”
“This is what rehabilitation is all about. What seems impossible to do can be done. It’s a new unique culture inside the jail.
Culture based on sacrifice and obedience for peace’s sake; culture that welcomes reforms. You will be a model for other jails in the country,” said Byron.
Governor Garcia, for her part, reminded the inmates that only in an atmosphere of order and discipline can anything positive be achieved.
“I know that deep inside each one of you lies basic goodness that yearns to be given a second chance. All our programs for you are proof that (we are giving you that chance) to become good members of the Cebuano community,” said the governor.
An inmate told Sun.Star Cebu that he no longer feels he is a “salot” to the society.
Earning money
CPDRC prisoners are earning income for their families from the vegetables they plant, bags they produce for export, and T-shirts they make and print.
Guests to the physical fitness day held yesterday, also Byron’s 46th birthday, included Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr. of the Police Regional Office 7, Interior and Local Government Under-secretary Lito Ruiz, Supt. Aderson Comar from the Bureau of Fire Protection, lawyer Homer Cabaral of the National Police Commission, Provincial Prosecutor Jane Petralba, Cebu City Councilor Gabriel Leyson and Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 18, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
