BY FR. SHAY CULLEN
IN ANOTHER case, Orlando was recently arrested and detained in Quezon City on the order of Judge Gemma Theresa B. Hilario-Logronio of the Regional Trial Court- Family Court Branch 12 in Olongapo City. Orlando is facing two charges of statutory rape before the court. Julio, another suspect, was recently arrested and detained in Olongapo City by order of the same judge. He is facing two counts of lascivious conduct as the step-father of the victim who was only 10 years old when she was allegedly abused.
An accused child sexual abuser, Christian Rey Manzano, was also recently arrested and detained in Castillejos, Zambales, on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Gemma Theresa B. Hilario-Logronio. Christian Rey Manzano is facing three counts of statutory rape, violation of Article 266-A 1(d) of the Revised Penal Code.
The abused child Aiza (not her real name) healed from the trauma of abuse through Emotional Release Therapy, and bravely and courageously finished her clear testimony in court. At first, her mother prevented her from attending the court hearings. The good judge in Iba, Zambales, Judge Maribel Mariano-Beltran, did not dismiss the case. She referred the child to the care and protection of the municipal social worker who brought her to Preda. She was empowered and affirmed and after Emotional Release Therapy, had the self-confidence and courage to testify last 26 April 2022 how she was abused. Another child victim of human trafficking was rescued from traffickers in Meycauayan. She also joined the Preda community and was empowered through emotional Release therapy and strongly testified in Court last April 26, 2022.
Preda works closely with prosecutors and the courts and writes to the Supreme Court administrator from time to time to support good judges and promote justice for children and to see that justice is delivered without delay. Good judges have frequent hearings and do not allow postponements and delays that cause emotional distress to the child. The child can become angry at the delay since they cannot go home until they testify otherwise the abuser and his family will harass and threaten her not to testify. She may refuse to testify or pursue the case because of the long wait and postponement. That is why protective homes and therapy centers are essential to support and help the child victims and get legal help to bring abusers to justice. Good judges will not allow affidavits of desistance or allow children to withdraw their testimony since it is done under duress. Working with good prosecutors and judges, Preda children win an average of 15 convictions of their abusers every year. A great success story of the children, some as young as six years old.
More therapeutic homes are needed with professional therapy where children are protected, supported, affirmed, healed, educated, and empowered. The Preda therapeutic home is one of the very few homes for girl victims of domestic sexual abuse, rape, and human trafficking. The professional staff has helped a total of 96 children this past year. They all received protection, therapy, and legal assistance.
Of the 96 children, 52 were victims of sexual abuse, incest rape, rape with sexual assault, acts of lasciviousness, and one was forced into early marriage. Another 36 children have rescued victims of human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. All 105 abused/trafficked victims (5 males, 100 females) received various forms of legal assistance in the past year.
While we work to prevent abuse, everyone must report a crime to the authorities and to the Preda Foundation for immediate action to save, protect and heal any child victim of abuse. (preda.org)/PN
