I am sharing the story of Amelia, a low-risk, first-time offender and financially challenged Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) who regained her freedom through the help of PRESO Inc. under its Community Bail Bond Program. A year later, Amelia is now employed and has been saving up to pursue a simple business of making and selling artificial bonsai, cleaning cloths (basahan) and floor mats—a skill she learned while participating in the Cagayan Provincial Jail livelihood program.
Amelia (not her real name) currently works as a cook and utility worker at a local eatery in Tuguegarao. Despite her limited income, it is enough to sustain her daily life, and most importantly, she has found inner peace.
In February 2020, an unexpected turn of events occurred in Amelia's life. She became involved in a human trafficking case when she was working as a cashier at a KTV bar. Despite being relatively new to the job when a police raid took place, she was accused of recruiting and permitting minors who later filed complaints as sex workers.
She spent two years in prison before she could post bail. Initially, she was filled with fear and self-doubt, unable to understand why she was accused, especially considering her recent employment at the bar. Over the months, she gradually came to terms with the situation.
Amelia is sincerely grateful for the activities during her time in the Cagayan Provincial Jail. The Office of the Warden offered numerous programs, including livelihood initiatives that allowed her to work. She takes pride in not needing financial support from her children. Instead, she learned to make cleaning cloths and bonsai, which are marketed by the Cagayan Provincial Jail. This not only provided her with an income but also benefited other inmates.
She also acknowledges various programs offered by the Warden's office, such as quiz bees, talent shows, and other pastime activities. During her time in prison, her religious faith deepened as she absorbed the teachings from the Word of God, giving her the courage to believe that the truth would eventually come to light.
In September 2022, with the help of PRESO Inc. and the Cagayan Provincial Jail Warden's office, Amelia regained her freedom. PRESO Inc. provided a bail amount of P100,000.00, allowing her to be released while awaiting the progress of her case. Currently, her case is under provisional dismissal due to a lack of witnesses to support the accusations against her.
Amelia's children and friends embraced her wholeheartedly. Her current employer is a trusted friend. When asked by PRESO Inc. about her plans for the future, Amelia expressed her desire to establish a bonsai and cleaning cloth-making business, which she is actively saving for. In her present circumstances, Amelia has chosen to avoid any trouble, a decision influenced by the challenges she has overcome. Despite her modest income as a cook and cleaner, it has been enough to restore her confidence and peace of mind.
If you wish to help Amelia build her new life and business, please reach out to PRESO Inc. at https://www.presocbb.org/support-us or visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PresoInc?mibextid=ZbWKwLPRES
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