pasanin, at kayo'y bibigyan Ko ng kapahingahan.” He attended the sessions religiously, gaining strength and hope after the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. On days when he had no visitors, he fought the loneliness with a strong fervor to serve the Lord who is the only One he could turn to. Little by little, his desire for revenge fell apart. Under the care of Carmelite sisters and Women for Christ member Betty Evangelista who was a Restorative Justice worker, Boy's spiritual awakening was nurtured. He was soon tasked to work with the worship services at the City Jail, which meant taking care of the chapel and its sound system, and finalizing the schedules of the different religious groups serving inside the jail.
Freedom
After 10 years of waiting, changing lawyers and other judicial delays, the court reached the promulgation of their case during the Lenten season of 2012. They were found guilty and sentenced to reclusion perpetua. The decision took them by surprise since they were sure of their absolution as there was no evidence presented or witnesses to collaborate the charges. Rather than be crushed, Boy found solace in the Lord's promise in 1 Thess 5:18, "Magpasalamat kayo sa Diyos sa lahat ng pagkakataon; sapagka't ito ang kalooban ng Diyos para sa inyo sa inyong pakikipagisa kay Cristo Jesus." Faith and practicality made him decide to accept his fate, rather than appeal the case and have it dragged on longer. He was initially transferred to Camp Ricardo Papa in Bicutan. Incarcerated with the Abu Sayyaf, there was no way Boy could serve the Lord in the way he did in Quezon City Jail. It was then that he read the Bible from cover to cover. Since Bicutan took him farther away from his family, family visits became even rarer. It was the visits of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon members who served the Quezon City jail ministry that sustained him. Even his family's material needs were provided for. They helped him appeal for a transfer out of the Muslim quarters. They also helped him file a motion for reconsideration on the decision at court. On July 15, 2012, his sentence was reduced to homicide carrying a sentence of 12 months and a day. His service as a church worker facilitated his move to a medium security prison and eventually to a Living Out status that requires him to report back to the penitentiary at 5 P.M. Through the years inside the jail, Boy's service to the Lord took him from being a sacristan, a commentator, a lector,
a sound technician, a choir member and even a drummer. On January 9, 2013, Boy was called out and asked to pack his bags. He was going home! His first stop out of jail was the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish that served the Quezon City Jail. He attended the Holy Mass there and sought out Fr. Jerome Marquez. The parish priest invited him to lunch and gifted him with a post-Christmas present: money to help him get a driver's license and a way back to earning a living. Today, Boy serves the Tahanan ng Panginoon Sacred Heart group, and assists in paralegal services of Quezon City Jail inmates. He also helps out with the evangelistic efforts of Papemelroti among its employees. Boy is forever grateful for what the Lord has done for him. He has claimed the Lord’s promise to him: "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you... plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
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