On February 17, 2023, the police invited Joseph for questioning, suspecting his involvement in an old robbery case from years ago. Without a warrant, their only basis for suspicion was that Joseph shared the same nickname as the real perpetrator. To make matters worse, they didn’t even know his surname. Despite this, the police insisted on taking Joseph to the precinct for further verification.
Joseph calmly accepted the invitation for verification, confident in his clean record and clear conscience. His various jobs as a carpenter, house painter, and welder required him to regularly obtain NBI clearances, all of which came back spotless. He worked hard to support his three children and lived an honest life, unable to understand how some people turn to wrongdoing to make a living.
At the police station, another officer even questioned the colleagues who brought Joseph in, suggesting they might have apprehended the wrong person.
To make a long story short, Joseph was taken to Navotas City Jail in March 2023, leaving behind his family, elderly parents, and job. He languished there for three months, with no witnesses coming forward against him and no hearings held during his detention.
During this time, PRESO Inc. came to Joseph's rescue. With the organization's assistance in posting bail and facilitating the release process, Joseph was freed on provisional dismissal on June 22, 2023.
The adverse impact of his wrongful arrest and subsequent incarceration was significant. His relationship with his wife deteriorated, as both she and her relatives lost trust in him based on unfounded accusations. Within three months of his imprisonment, his wife left him and took their children with her to Mindanao.
Now 49 and living with his parents, Joseph focuses on his work and on reuniting with his wife and children. Although he still harbors resentment toward the police who wrongfully arrested him, he hopes that their inadequate practices will one day be exposed. He wishes for a change in their ways to prevent others, especially those poor and without protection, from enduring similar ordeals.
Joseph recounts a time when he encountered these officers, who averted their gaze, knowing they had picked up the wrong man. Determined to clear his name, Joseph is committed to proving his innocence, reclaiming his family, and caring for his parents. Despite the stigma of incarceration, he vows to hold his head high and forgive himself, striving to move forward with dignity.
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