OPLAN Dalaw: Reconnecting Hearts and Mending Souls
On December 14-15, 2024, the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS) spearheaded OPLAN Dalaw at the Medium Security Camp of the New Bilibid Prison. This event was part of our Socio-Pastoral Program, dedicated to reconnecting Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) with their families. It was a day filled with emotion as years of separation melted away in warm embraces and tearful reunions. A Father’s Long-Awaited Embrace One of the most poignant stories was that of Wenry, a young CICL, who had not seen his father, Tatay Reynaldo, for 20 long years. Their reunion was nothing short of a miracle. Tatay Reynaldo expressed his gratitude: “Matagal ko siyang hinanap. Sa Facebook, pinagtanong sa mga kakilala. Kung hindi pa siya nakulong, hindi ko siya makikita. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa inyo noong tumawag kayo kahit akala ko scam nung una. Binigay kayo ng Panginoon na tulay para magkita kami muli ng anak ko.” Tears of Joy and Reconciliation Reynato, another CICL, had left his child when the baby was just seven months old. Seeing his child after a decade was overwhelming. “Hindi ko napigilan yung saya ko kanina nang makita ko sila. Bumuhos na lang ang mga luha ko sa tuwa,” he shared, his voice thick with emotion. John Rey, who had endured 11 years in prison and five years without visitors, called this reunion his “pinakamagandang pasko.” He reminisced, “Dati hinihiling ko lang na dalawin ako ng dalawa kong anak. Nang makita ko sila kanina, hindi ko maintindihan yung nararamdaman ko. Masaya ako at naiiyak.” A Hopeful Future The heartfelt wishes of the families echo a universal desire: for the PDLs to stay healthy, be good, and return home soon. As we continue to bridge the gap between the incarcerated and their loved ones, we remain steadfast in our mission to support their journey toward reformation and reintegration into society. We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, volunteers, and BuCor personnel who made this event possible. Your selfless dedication and compassion have not only reunited families but also reignited hope in these young hearts. Your contributions are the lifeblood of our mission, and we are forever grateful. A Call to Action: Be the Light As we continue our journey to bring families back together, we invite you to join us in this mission. Be the bridge that connects the incarcerated with their loved ones. Help us make more stories of reunion and hope possible. Consider donating or volunteering with us today. Let’s continue to remember those in prison as if we were together with them in their chains, just as the Lord calls us to do. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
