By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — In the five long years that Jennifer Dalquez languished in jail as a prisoner in death row, she always knew in her heart that she will one day go home.
“My faith was very strong. I always knew that I will be free one day,” Dalquez told the media in a short interview.
Her family and supporters gathered in a humble celebration at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines’ Ecumenical
Center in Quezon City on Nov. 7.
This is the first time that Dalquez learned of the struggles of her family and supporters to save her from the gallows. She told the media that she was deeply touched when she learned what it it took to finally bring her home.
A single mother of two, Dalquez flew to United Arab Emirates in a bid to uplift her family’s dire living conditions.
In 2014, Dalquez was accused of killing her employer, who attempted to rape her. She was jailed and later sentenced to death. Her family has been battling against all odds ever since.
On Nov. 2, she was finally reunited with her family.
“I am very happy,” she said.
Forced labor migration must end
United Methodist Pastor Sol Villalon pointed out that forced labor migration must be put to an end.
She said that many Filipinos who were victims of abuses and maltreatment abroad still opt to leave the country upon their return because of the lack of decent-paying jobs here.
Migrante International spokesperson Arman Hernando said the struggle will continue for Dalquez and her family as they once again confront the realities that, in the first place, pushed her to work abroad.
“Big problems lie ahead of us. But we still manage to smile because we have victories like Jennifer’s return,” Pastor Villalon said.
In an interview, Dalquez said she does not have plans yet.
“I will know when I return to General Santos,” she added.
Messages of solidarity
Alice, mother of Dalquez, said she is very grateful to all those who exerted help to their family and those who joined them in their struggle.
Armalyn Mariposa, who served a six-month sentence in UAE for “selfie without permission,” said her “kakosa” was a source of inspiration to them.
In a video message, Mary Jane Veloso’s mother Celia Veloso said their family is very happy.
“Naiinggit ako,” she jested.
Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas said this is a victory for the Filipino people. She said that Gabriela has long been calling for the end of the labor export policy and the generation of decent-paying jobs in the country.
“This is the first time that I have met her. But it feels like I have known her for a long time because I have known her name, her case, and we carry her photos all the time. Her mother and father are like parents to me as well,” Rep. Brosas said.
Ron Fajardo, son of Gregoria Fajardo, a Filipina in death row in Malaysia who died while in detention last year, said Dalquez’s freedom is a “spark of hope” for them.
Alice said, “habang may buhay, may pag-asa. Fight-fight lang.” (Bulatlat.com)
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