BY FR. SHAY CULLEN
THERE IS great encouragement and inspiration in the true-life stories of the brave Filipino children that have fought back against abusers and made them answer for their crimes against them. Hundreds of children in the Preda children’s homes have been healed and found justice by winning convictions against their rapists and human traffickers.
Thanks to the staff of the Preda therapeutic homes for sexually abused and trafficked children. They have cared for the children and healed and empowered them so they can testify without fear and embarrassment.
It was never easy for 12-year-old child (call her Maricel, not her real name) to accuse the live-in partner of her mother, Raymund, of rape and sexual assault. But with the help of a caring grandmother and the dedicated municipal social worker of San Narciso, Zambales, Maricel won a great legal victory in the court of Judge Maribel Marianmo-Beltran in Iba, Zambales.
It all began when one day Maricel was feeling sickly and her mother brought her for a check-up. She was found to be six months pregnant. Then, Maricel revealed that Raymund had been sexually abusing her for months. He threatened her not to tell anyone, but now the truth was out. Her mother also told Maricel not to tell anyone.
Then, Maricel went to live with her maternal grandmother and she, being a woman of conscience, brought Maricar to the municipal social worker in San Narciso. They went to the police and filed a case against Raymund but he and her mother hid Maricel in Bataan likely to have an abortion. The social worker rescued her and brought her to the Preda Home for Girls in Subic.
There, Maricel and her unborn baby were protected from harm and abortion. At Preda, she shared her life story, found affirmation, support, help and therapy.
She safely delivered her baby whom she loves and cares for. She pursued her case and the dedicated provincial prosecutor, Fiscal Joe Mari Nacin, fought for justice for her in Iba, Zambales.
Maricel took the witness stand and she testified courageously and clearly as she wanted justice and to protect her baby. Then she was reintegrated to her biological father but inexplicably he also sexually abused her. Maricar immediately reported the crime and her father was arrested and jailed. There, facing life in prison, he allegedly committed suicide.
Maricel’s case against Raymund prospered and she was believed by Judge Maribel Mariano-Beltran and the accused was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of child rape and justly sentenced by the judge to a long prison sentenced. That was the eighth conviction of abusers by Preda Children for 2024.
These brave children win an average of 20 cases every year against abusers and human traffickers most are sentenced to life in Prison.
Maricel and her baby are strong and healthy and she is studying while living at the Preda home. At present, they have nowhere else to go and are hoping for a sponsor to continue the support for her and her baby, the beautiful Princess Amber. (To be continued)/PN
