11-year-old girl in Cebu tied up for 8 years

An 11-year-old girl in Minglanilla, Cebu, has been tied to her bed for eight years.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the skin on “Precious’” feet, hands, and body already turned dark after being bound with pieces of cloth for years.

According to her mom Mardie, they were frequently in and out of the hospital because “Precious” had a recurring fever.

As “Precious” grew up, her parents said she became more and more violent.

“Umabot na siya ng tres parang iba na siya. 'Yang ang kanyang sarili kanyang sinasaktan,” said Mardie.

[When she turned three, she became different. She started hurting herself.]

“Precious” would bang her head against their glass windows. One time, she saw “Precious” holding a knife with the sharp end against her stomach.

Because of these incidents, Precious’ parents said they were left with no choice and had to tie her up.

Precious would remain tied up even when Mardie gives her a bath. The mother would also place thick blankets and pillows around her daughter so she wouldn’t hurt herself.

“Precious” is the eldest among four children. Her younger sister Jelly, who is blind in one eye, has dedicated her time in taking care of her.

Whenever Precious throws a fit, Jelly would call their father, who is working far away.

Gerson said his heart broke for Precious and he would free her from her shackles every time he comes back home.

Sometimes they would just walk around or Gerson would carry his daughter around.

Because Mardie does not have a job and Gerson earns only P450 a day, they have not been able to seek medical treatment for Precious’ condition.

“Masakit sa aking loob na itali siya pero wala akong magagawa. Dahil na rin sa aming kahirapan, hindi ako nakapagpa-doktor sa kanya,” Mardie said.

[It breaks my heart to tie her up but I don’t have a choice. Because we’re poor, we can’t bring her to a doctor.]

To help out, the KMJS team gave financial aid to the family and brought Precious to Safe Haven, a treatment and recovery village in Cebu.

After finally seeing a doctor and specialist, her parents were advised that her treatment would take months. Fortunately, the recovery village said that it would shoulder Precious’ needs, from shelter and food to medicine.

For those who want to help Precious, please deposit to:

LANDBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES

NAGA CITY, CEBU BRANCH

ACCOUNT NAME: MARDIE DAGWAYAN

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 4316-0301-36

According to RA 7610 or the Special protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, the act of tying a child up can be considered as child abuse and is punishable by law.

Meanwhile, according to "Precious'" family, they tied “Precious” up to prevent her from harming herself, as they didn't have enough money back then to see a doctor.

—Kaela Malig/RC/MGP, GMA News