Reflecting on his past, Robert (not his real name), now 23 years old, realizes that the one thing he should never have done was to indulge in alcohol.
One fateful day, he was invited by a friend to a drinking spree at a wake. Exhausted from a long day of working at a fish port in Navotas, he thought the drinking session would provide some relaxation.
Little did he know that alcohol intoxication would lead to an altercation when a drinking buddy took offense at a joke he made.
Emotionally charged, Robert inflicted severe injuries on his drinking buddy, causing him to be hospitalized. In the following days, Robert was charged with frustrated homicide and was taken to jail on March 4, 2022.
Robert has been working as a "batilyo" at a fish port in Navotas since he was 15. His primary responsibility is to select quality fish and segregate them by type. As the family's breadwinner, Robert took on this role after his father's death, dedicating himself to helping his mother raise nine children. He proudly states that he has never had a criminal record. Despite the demanding nature of his job, which leaves him constantly exhausted and sleep-deprived, Robert continues to work hard to support his family.
When Robert was jailed, his family endured the loss of their breadwinner.
Robert never thought that PRESO Inc. would step in to help him get out of jail. He believed he would remain incarcerated for a long time, having no education, influence, or connections. However, a Navotas City Jail guard, who attested to his good behavior and character, vouched for him. As a result, Robert was temporarily freed in June 2022 after three months while his case was being heard. PRESO Inc. provided the bail money and facilitated his temporary release.
Robert swore never to become intoxicated with alcohol again for the rest of his life. He promised himself never to return to jail. Life in jail was hard; movement was restricted, and food was rationed. He experienced continuous hunger during those three months, which felt like his longest nightmare.
Robert plans to work hard for his family. His other siblings are now employed at the Navotas fish port as well. During the off-season for fishing, Robert seeks other jobs to support his family. He works as a construction worker, house painter, or laborer—anything that allows him to earn money honestly.
He profusely thanked the PRESO Inc. personnel for their efforts, reminding others to stay composed and calm in any situation and to think carefully before taking any drastic actions. Being imprisoned is tough. He never wanted anyone to experience that.
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