For a number of years in the past, Lito, together with his wife and five children including his other siblings (and their families) had all been residing peacefully in separate houses but within one common compound. He regularly worked as an “all-around” construction worker and on certain days, often sold fish in the neighborhood. His lifestyle then was simple yet he was able to fulfill the very basic needs of his children.
Actually, Lito knew little about his father’s involvement then- with a supposed friend-business partner. Later on, he was able to connect the dots.
The sudden twist of his fate began when his father-Tony, accepted a business proposal. Thinking that it would be lucrative, Tony shelled out some money and was expecting a good profit share or investment return. He was even “bragging” about this to his peers. Months later, something went terribly wrong. It turned out that this business partner cheated him hence his supposed share never came. He got so hurt that he could not stand being constantly bullied and laughed at by his own peers. His “kumpadre” a close friend does not even want to associate with him anymore. In an effort to renew a treasured friendship, he went to see him to talk things over. But in the middle of a heated verbal exchange, they got themselves into a fight and he got a knife and attacked his friend. It was good thing that the friend survived despite the serious wounds. He said that he never really intended to harm his friend. But just the same, he was accused of frustrated murder. Sadly, his own son and brother- in- law were similarly accused- that they all conspired with him. Lito at the time of the incident was not even in the area. But still he and his uncle were also imprisoned.
The 6 long years that followed were most challenging especially for Lito. His father, the alleged assailant and principal accused in the case died while in prison. But he was able to give an anti-mortem confession similar to a dying declaration. He admitted to the crime, stated further that he alone did it -on his own because of self-pity and despair. No one prodded or helped him and that his brother- in- law and his own son are not at all guilty.
Left in the jail, Lito later got news that his mother got very ill. Worse, his wife left him for another man. With no parental guidance and support, the children stopped schooling. They got separated from each other when they were taken into custody by different relatives. Lito then felt that everything was falling apart—so sudden, so very unexpected.
Fortunately, Lito was able to get paralegal assistance when a Jail Officer recommended his case to us, PRESO Foundation. We immediately bailed him and he was finally, though temporarily, released. Emotionally upset and financially drained, Lito nevertheless is determined to pick up the pieces.
Lito was able to get back his children again. He and his mother are now staying with his sister who remains as somehow the pillar in the family. With a humble capital loan from one of our partners, the El Proveedores Foundation, Lito is back into selling- rice and some commodities this time around. Whenever there is an opportunity, he goes back to construction, at times, house painting and doing other related tasks.
All these past months of the pandemic, PRESO continue monitoring Lito and assisting him during his scheduled virtual hearings and sometimes counseling him. In the midst of this unresolved case, he has to take advantage of his being out on bail. He realized he needed to be doubly busy in order to earn- wanting to make it up to his children and mother. He also feels that he needs to regain the respect of his family and his community as well. God willing, and with PRESO’s continuing assistance, Lito could go on--- in a new journey- back to his core- hoping to become a better version of himself.
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