June 27, 2009 Inmates pay tribute to Michael Jackson in Philippines Play video

(NECN/APTV) - An encore performance Saturday in memory of Michael Jackson -- from an unlikely group.

In 2007, over 1500 inmates at a maximum security prison in the Philippines paid tribute to his biggest hit ever, re-enacting the video of 'Thriller' in their prison yard.

It was meant to be a means of exercise for the prisoners, but became a Youtube sensation, receiving over 23 million hits.

So the prisoners thought it only appropriate to give an encore performance, in Jackson's memory.

The performance attracted thousands of local and foreign tourists.

It started off with a prayer for Jackson before singing and dancing.