(Stories of Hope, Resiliency and Restoration - English)
Caloy (not his real name), now 56, was charged under RA 9262 Section 5, the Violence Against Women and Children law, for allegedly abusing his partner. The woman claimed that during an argument, Caloy pointed a gun at her and threatened her. However, Caloy insists that none of these accusations were true. Despite his denials, he was jailed for seven months while the case was being processed.
A widower, Caloy lost his first wife and later found a second chance at love with a woman he believed would be his lifelong partner. Unfortunately, he noticed her attitude towards him becoming colder over time. Eventually, he discovered she was involved with another man.
Caloy, as a single parent, raised his four children alone, two of whom have special needs. Providing for them has been a significant challenge, but he persevered. With a college degree in Business Management, he secured a stable job as a process server at a law firm, delivering subpoenas and legal documents.
However, his ill-fated relationship dragged his life into turmoil. He felt helpless when the charges were filed against him, and with no one to turn to for help, he faced the legal battle alone.
In jail, Caloy found solace in faith. He prayed for God’s mercy, attended Bible readings, and adapted to the harsh realities of prison life. Living in an overcrowded cell, often sleeping on the floor, and doing tasks like cleaning toilets became part of his routine. As a newcomer without gang affiliations, he followed the rules and slowly built friendships with fellow inmates.
Fortunately, organizations like PRESO Inc. came to his rescue. They facilitated his early release by posting bail and monitoring his case until it was dismissed. The woman who accused him eventually retracted her statements, and the case was resolved through mediation and a compromise agreement. By July 2024, the charges were officially dropped.
However, the ordeal left Caloy’s life in shambles. The woman who disrupted his life is now with her new partner, while Caloy struggles to rebuild his livelihood. At 56, he finds it difficult to secure a job, feeling discriminated against due to the stigma of the allegations, even though the case was dismissed.
Despite the challenges, Caloy remains deeply grateful. His eldest child has secured stable employment as an electrician, offering much-needed support to the family. To provide for his younger children, Caloy takes on various odd jobs, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their well-being. Once a highly respected PTA officer at his younger child’s school, Caloy’s dedication to his family and community continues to shine through, even in the face of adversity.
He acknowledges that the stigma of such accusations lingers, even for those proven innocent, and society can be unforgiving. Nevertheless, Caloy remains determined to start anew. He dreams of setting up a small business, such as selling balut, taho, or ice cream—any clean and honest means to provide for his children.
“God is still good,” Caloy says, holding on to hope and resilience as he works towards a better future for his family.
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If you would like to support the PRESO Foundation in providing financial assistance to deserving PDLs, please reach out to the Foundation at 0906-822-1625. Alternatively, you may contact Ms. Nita Silva Mangaser or Sol Baltazar through their Facebook page or Messenger.
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