A Journey Lit by Love

(Stories of Hope, Resiliency and Restoration - English)

Jennifer (not her real name) was charged with qualified theft amounting to PHP 84,000 in March 2023 by the owner of the smartphone and accessories store where she worked as a cashier.

She was committed to jail in November 2023—first at Payatas Jail, where life was difficult. There, she couldn’t see the sun, the cells were dark, and the food was awful. She was later transferred to Karingal, where inmates were treated better.

With the help of PRESO Inc.—an organization that assists first-time, low-risk, and indigent offenders—she was granted bail in April 2024. A year later, in April 2025, her case was finally dismissed, and she was acquitted of the charges filed against her.

As the family’s breadwinner, Jennifer’s greatest worry was her younger sister, still in elementary school, who had been left without care. Their father, a construction worker, was unemployed at the time and unable to provide support.

While in jail, Jennifer joined various livelihood and spiritual activities such as Mass celebrations and Bible readings, which deepened her faith. Through these experiences, she gained many insights.

Before her imprisonment, she believed that people in jail were inherently bad and deserved to be there. But having gone through the experience herself, she realized that not everyone in jail is guilty. Many are simply victims of bias and an unjust legal system.

One day, a trustee of the BJMP officers referred Jennifer to PRESO Inc., recognizing that her case was bailable and that she had consistently demonstrated good behavior. She helped the trustees with chores, ensured they had food, and maintained order among their belongings.

At first, Jennifer suspected that PRESO Inc. might be a scam—after all, who would willingly help people labeled as criminals and a menace to society?

But she was wrong. Sis Sol of PRESO Inc. handled all the legwork and provided financial support to secure Jennifer’s temporary freedom while her case was ongoing. She contacted Jennifer’s family and patiently followed through with all the necessary procedures to prove that Jennifer deserved early release. Jennifer could hardly believe that an organization like PRESO Inc. existed—one that was compassionate and nonjudgmental toward inmates.

Upon her release, Jennifer faced another setback: she had no home to return to. Her family had been evicted from their apartment due to unpaid rent. The unit had been padlocked, with all their belongings still inside. Jennifer had no idea how to start over.

The family was compelled to live in a nearby cemetery, where they built makeshift barracks. Her father was hired as a construction worker at the cemetery, which allowed them to remain on the premises.

Once again, Sis Sol came to the rescue. Through a partnership with Bro Gerry—a prison reform advocate—Jennifer and her sister were provided with shelter, and Jennifer was offered a job as a cashier in his store in Sampaloc, Manila. Bro Gerry covered their housing, food, and basic needs, and paid Jennifer a monthly salary for her work.

PRESO Inc. also partnered with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) through the Restorative Justice Ministry of the Diocese of Cubao to support her sister’s education. DMI is a church organization that provides educational assistance to families of Persons Deprived of Liberty. In addition, PRESO Inc. also solicited school supplies for additional support.

Jennifer is deeply grateful to PRESO Inc. and Bro Gerry, whom she considers instruments of God—lighting her path during her darkest moments. She remains amazed at how much they have helped her and her family. Their support did not end with her release; it continues to empower her to rebuild her life.

Now, Jennifer is saving money in hopes of finding a long-term job soon. As a gesture of gratitude, she is committed to helping Bro Gerry sustain and grow the store.

Jennifer is determined to become independent. For her, this is the best way to repay PRESO Inc. and Bro Gerry for their immense help.

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If you would like to support the PRESO Foundation in providing financial assistance to deserving PDLs, please reach out to the Foundation at 0906-822-1625. Alternatively, you may contact Ms. Nita Silva Mangaser or Sol Baltazar through their Facebook page or Messenger.