BY FR. SHAY CULLEN
IT’S ALWAYS good news when justice is done and seen to be done.
Judge Maribel Mariano-Beltran in the Family Court Branch 13 in Iba, Zambales is among one of the quickest family court judges to try child abuse and rape cases.
Likewise, the court of Judge Gemma Theresa Hilario-Logronio in Olongapo City where the children, supported by the Preda Foundation, file their cases and where they have victories against their abusers as listed below.
The most recent promulgation is that in the case of 13-year-old Maria Joy (not her real name), raped many times by her biological father and became pregnant. It was only discovered when she became dizzy and had a check-up. Her father was convicted to life in prison. Preda has cared for Maria Joy and her baby. That case took less than a year.
When we have a new law establishing a Children’s Court as proposed by Preda Foundation, hopefully it will take only six months for the judge to complete the trial and many more children can achieve justice.
The wise judge will take first the testimonies of the healed and empowered child-victims who can then be reintegrated to their supportive families. New abused children can then be accommodated in the residential therapeutic centers.
During the trial, the abused child has to stay in a residential therapeutic center to overcome the trauma of multiple rape and abuse like that experienced by Maria Joy. The victim needs to be protected from the abuser or his family. They will prevent the child from testifying.
In the Preda Foundation charitable residential center in Zambales, the child is rescued from her abusers and joins a community of other abused children. They are all fully supported in all needs and receive therapy, emotional support, and empowerment by professional staff and social workers until each is called to give her testimony and hopefully win her case.
Every year, there are about 20 convictions won by the Preda children. In 2024, seven convictions have been won already. The healing therapy, support and court victory gives a new life and a new start to the child.
The children will never live in fear again. They will not be haunted by the trauma. They have self-confidence and a fighting spirit to finish their schooling and make a great successful life for themselves and their own children one day. They are happy and resilient.
In the report below, the real names of the children are not used:
In January 2024, Grace, eight years old, won a conviction in Family Court Branch 13 in Iba, Zambales against her maternal grandfather. He was convicted and sentenced to six months to six years in prison for acts of lasciviousness against Grace.
Janice, now nine years old, fought back after being sexually assaulted by her own biological father and won his conviction. He was sentenced to twelve to twenty years in prison last January 8, this year in the Family Court Branch 12 of Judge Gemma Theresa Hilario-Logronio.
Jennifer, when about 16, was protected and supported by Preda after she was raped by her half-brother. She found the courage to fight back and won his conviction. He was sentenced by Judge Gemma Theresa Hilario- Logronio to life in prison where he can abuse no more children.
Julie, now 17 years old, was a victim of rape by her paternal uncle when she was about 15. She was supported by Preda and won his conviction and he was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Maria Josephine M. Rosario-Mercado in the Regional Trial Court in Macabebe, Pampanga.
Then in February, the half-brother of Jane, a child victim of multiple rape since the age of 14 years old, was sentenced to life in prison in the Family Court Branch 12 in Olongapo City.
In the same month, DepEd Olongapo teacher Franco Aranas was convicted for the sexual abuse of two boy-victims that were supported by Preda. He is appealing his conviction in the Court of Appeals.
Last year, Franco Aranas was also convicted for the sexual abuse of another male victim. (To be continued)/PN
