Desperate Journey: Experiences of Persons Deprived of Liberty in Carcar City Jail

This is qualitative research on the experiences of persons deprived of liberty in Carcar City Jail during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study sought answers to the life-changing experiences of the informants during the COVID-19 pandemic, how they coped with the challenges they encountered, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of the persons deprived of liberty. The study utilizes the phenomenological method of research. There were 10 informants individuals confined at Carcar City jails for the periods 2017-2018 and 2019-2022 respectively. They were selected based on the preset criteria of being in the facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research proceeded with an in-depth interview using the interview guide and voice recorder. The interviews were transcribed and with the use of Colaizzi’s method of analysis, eight emergent themes were created, namely: In the Life-Changing Experiences of the Informants during the COVID-19 Pandemic, three themes were created, namely: Breaking Momentum: Reminiscing the Older Self; Recovery Point: Road to Redemption; Breaking Point: The Moment of the Greatest Collapse; and Point of Reckoning: Reflection of One Self. In coping with the challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, two themes were created: Desolation: In the Face of Sorrow and Healing a Broken Soul: It's OK Not to Feel OK. For the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of the informants, two themes were created Retooling: The Long and Winding Road of Change and Reborn: The Return of the Prodigal Son. It is recommended in this study that the persons deprived of liberty experience creating an avenue for them to strive to change their perspective in life and stay away from things that might trigger them back to their old ways. The families of the informant's continuous support and understanding as to the source of the PDL’s strength and hope for their loved ones who are undergoing treatment programs and to stay strong to weather the storm and see the light beyond the darkest part of the tunnel. The DILG, BJMP, LGU and community should all play a role in achieving a holistic approach to rehabilitation as a program instrument by providing the necessary resources and equipment to fully achieve the goals of rehabilitating persons deprived of liberty as changed individuals upon reintegration into the folds of the community.