The toughest time in his life was when he spent three years in jail. This experience taught him to be humble and become a better person. Mikkel Giron, his real name, used to think that respect had to come from others first. He thought if you wanted respect from him, you had to show it to him first. He admitted he was disobedient to his parents, got into bad habits, had a temper, and caused trouble.
He was just 10 years old when he started hanging out with friends who weren't a good influence. That's when he started smoking. He felt happy with these friends because he thought he fit in and was accepted. But at home, being the middle child, he felt left out. He thought his parents never believed in him and always took his siblings' side.
One fateful day in 2017, when he was only 17, he and his friends went out late at night to play video games at a computer shop. Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby. Without understanding the cause of the commotion and puzzled by the sight of other people and players fleeing the computer shop, he and his friends joined the chaos and scattered in different directions. Unfortunately, one of his friends was cornered by the police.
He thought that night was just a fleeting nightmare.
Two years later, around age 19, Mikkel was playing card games with his neighbors when two policemen suddenly arrested him for a murder supposedly from 2017. He vividly remembered the chaotic day. Mikkel ended up in jail with three close friends, known as the Navotas Boys, for three long years starting June 27, 2019.
Feeling hopeless about getting out anytime soon, Mikkel found comfort in a Bible verse on his cell wall: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
During that period, PRESO Inc. intervened to aid in the release of deserving Persons Deprived of Liberty from jail. Based on the favorable conduct and behavior reported by Navotas jail guards, Mikkel and his friends received assistance from PRESO Inc. to expedite their early release and secure the necessary bail amount of PHP60,000.00 each for temporary freedom while awaiting the verdict on their case. They were released in November 2022.
Mikkel recognized that God's love was evident through the compassion and actions of others. While in jail, he was given the opportunity to study through distant education and completed Grade 11. Although unfamiliar and unrelated, Mikkel was impressed by PRESO Inc.'s genuine concern and sympathy in helping him and his friends.
On his 22nd birthday in 2022, Mikkel received a heartwarming surprise while still incarcerated: PRESO Inc. arranged a visit from his mother, whom he hadn't seen in two years due to the pandemic. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mikkel deeply missed his mother and seized the opportunity to reconcile with her. This experience left him feeling more understood and committed to understanding each family member better.
Eventually, Mikkel and his friends were acquitted by the court. After regaining his freedom, Mikkel ventured into various small businesses but faced failures. The motorcycle, given to him by his partner as a means of livelihood, required frequent repairs. Despite these challenges, through perseverance and determination, he managed to secure a loan for a new motorcycle and became a delivery rider. Along this journey, he made the courageous decision to leave his vices behind, focusing instead on personal growth and improvement. While being a rider provides a modest income, Mikkel is burdened with loans and debts from failed business ventures. He's not yet in a stable financial position, but he maintains a positive mindset. He believes that through hard work, he can overcome the financial obstacles, with the support of his loyal significant other and his family. Mikkel lives by the principle that respect must be earned by showing it first. He envisions himself as a successful businessman in the future, determined to help others just as PRESO Inc. helped him. He is committed to paying forward the kindness he received from PRESO Inc. Now, at 23, Mikkel has transformed into a new man.
Comments