Just like any other young girl, Gina also dreams of success and a good future. Born and raised in a remote town in Zamboanga, south of Mindanao, she too has had her share of struggles and difficulties along with her family. They have been living in stark poverty. Thinking of a good opportunity to earn, Gina finally took the risk and joined her sister in coming over to Manila to seek employment.
Gina ended up as one of the household helpers of an affluent family residing in a plush subdivision in Pasig City. At 16, poor and almost unlettered, Gina hardly, if at all, knew anything about city life and all its challenges. This was also her first time to be away from her family. Hurt and lonely, she nevertheless, did her utmost best as a helper and later earned the trust of her employer.
Unfortunately, an unexpected twist in Gina’s life happened. She became a victim of a syndicate that is commonly known as “budol-budol gang”. She was easily deceived by the gang to hand over to them all the money and jewelries worth (allegedly) almost Php 4 million, owned by her employer thinking that the latter met an accident and was in need of funds to cover emergency needs of hospitalization. Because of this, Gina was sued in Court for Qualified Theft. Considered as a child-in-conflict-with the law, she was brought to a Center for youth offenders and street children. But Gina, in all the hearings, never admitted the charge filed against her. Her conscience is clear.
At the Center, Gina continued her studies. She also prayed hard and never lost hope. She was even commended by the Center for honesty and good behavior. The Center Social Worker eventually recommended her to PRESO Foundation for assistance. After careful evaluation, PRESO posted bail of Php 25,000 last October 25, 2020 that led to Gina’s temporary release. This was her first taste of freedom after almost 4 years. Gina then resided in a small house of a distant relative of her mother. There was no other place she could go to. PRESO meanwhile continues to monitor her situation.
Last November 16, 2020, the assigned PRESO Case Worker visited Gina and informed her that a friend of the Foundation- a retired government employee who has been helping former youth offenders, is very willing to take her into custody hence serve as her guardian. This will enable Gina to live in a more comfortable and safe abode and still continue her studies. This “news” suddenly lightened up Gina’s face. Seeing her big smile and sparkling eyes, we knew that she will persevere in her journey to fight for justice and for a better tomorrow, with much hope… believing that dreams, after all, do come true!
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