Present at the ceremony were also Lieutenant General Nguyen Hoang Ha, Deputy Director of General Department 8; leaders of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security, the general departments, competent departments under the Ministry of Public Security. Mr. Tran Thanh Duc, Deputy Chairman of the Tien Giang Provincial People’s Committee participated in the event.
Recalling the 40-year tradition, Senior Colonel Tran Van Dung, Phuoc Hoa Prison warden said, Phuoc Hoa prison formerly known as Dong Thap prison, which was established in 1976 on the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affair (predecessor of the Ministry of Public Security), was located in Thanh Hoa commune, Tan Phuoc district, Tien Giang province.
 |
| Deputy Pham Dung, speaking at the 40th anniversary of establishment of Phuoc Hoa Prison |
In 1996, the prison was under the management of Department V26 (now the General Department 8) and in 2005 it was renamed to Phuoc Hoa Prison. In early days, the unit faced many difficulties, including accommodation and living conditions of officers and soldiers. In general, it did not meet the requirements for the detainment of criminals.
Thanks to supports from leaders of higher levels; assistance and collaboration of local Party committees, authorities and people and with great efforts and high sense of responsibility, unity and determination of generations of its officers and soldiers, the prison has continuously developed in terms of both facility, staff quality and security management. As a tradition, the unit’s officers and soldiers have always surmounted difficulties and successfully fulfilled their assigned tasks, ensuring security and safety of the prison and internees in every situation.
 |
| Deputy Minister Pham Dung, under the authorization of the State President, handing the Fatherland Protection Order of 3rd class to Phuoc Hoa Prison. |
With their achievements, Phuoc Hoa Prison was awarded the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces in Doi Moi period (1998) and many other honors. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its establishment, Phuoc Hoa Prison was presented with the Fatherland Defense Order of 3rd Class from the State President.
 |
| Deputy Minister Pham Dung inquiring after a veteran of Phuoc Hoa Prison |
 |
| Deputy Minister Pham Dung and participants at event |
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Pham Dung lauded the achievements and victories of Phuoc Hoa Prison during its 40-year history. The Fatherland Protection Order of 3rd Class deserved the great effort of the whole unit over the past years, he underscored.
Deputy Minister Pham Dung also extended his sincere thank to the provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee of Tien Giang province, local relevant departments, organizations, armed forces, and people for their support and assistance for Phuoc Hoa Prison in implementing their tasks.
Deputy Minister requested Phuoc Hoa Prison officers and soldiers to continuously innovate prison management, improve the quality and efficiency of prisoner education; strictly impose regulations, policies and laws on prisoners while actively encouraging and backing them to well undergo re-education and become a good citizens after being released. The unit was also asked to regularly check working procedures, patrols and escorts to ensure absolute security and safety.
Deputy Minister Pham Dung underscored that the staff should effectively prevent and handle negative behaviors, offences and violence inside the prison. They should promote close coordination with local Party committees, authorities and organizations, military and public security units and people.
