23-year-old man from Quezon has been chained for eight years

A 23-year-old man from Candelaria, Quezon has been chained by his family for eight years after suddenly displaying aggression and paranoia.

According to an episode “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Miguel, not his real name, told his parents eight years ago that he would help out at a corn field so he can earn money to buy rice and food.

When he returned, however, they could no longer recognize him.

“Takot na takot. May papatay raw po sa kanya. Sumuot po siya sa ilalim ng lababo. Ayaw niya pong lumabas,” said his mother, Eleonor Castillo.

“Lagi po siyang nagwawala. Sinusuntok niya po ako. Hinabol po niya ng taga 'yung binata ko,” she added.

(“He was terrified. He said someone is going to kill him. He hid under the sink. He didn’t want to come out. He always blows his top. He punches me. He chased my son with a knife.”)

At one point, Miguel even choked his own father, Ceferino.

Because of Miguel’s behavior, the family decided to keep him chained in his grandmother’s house because the family is afraid that he will hurt other people.

“Parang aso doon na nakakulong. Masakit po sa damdamin ko. Pero wala po akong magagawa,” Eleonor said.

(“He’s like a caged dog. It hurts me but I cannot do anything.”)

Miguel sleeps on a mat on the floor and his mother gives him food, but sometimes he screams at her and throws punches.

“Kahit po anong pananakit niya sa akin, lahat po ay kinakaya ko,” said Eleonor.

(“Even if he hurts me, I can endure it. ”)

To add to their woes, Ceferino suffered a stroke which rendered him unable to provide for his family. Eleonor only earns P1,000 per week as factory worker, so they cannot afford to give Miguel the medical attention that he needs.

Despite the many hardships, however, Eleonor harbors hope that Miguel can still get better and vows to care for him even as he grows older.

“Gusto ko siyang mapatingnan. Kapag siya po ay gumaling, may magandang bukas pa po siguro sa kanya. Makakatrabaho, magkakaroon ng sariling pamilya,” she said.

(“I want to get him checked. If he gets better, perhaps he would have a good future ahead of him. He could work, and have his own family.”)

Miguel himself wants to escape his current situation. His right foot has already turned darker due to the long years of wearing the chain.

“Nagrereklamo po siya. Sabi niya, ‘Mama, pakawalan niyo ako.’ Naisip ko na tanggalin pero baka makapanakit siya, paano po ‘pag wala ako. Sabi ko, ‘Kapag magaling ka na pakakawalan ka namin,’” she said.

(“He complains. He’d say, ‘Mama, please release me.’ I’ve thought of removing the chains but what if he ends up hurting other people? I told him, ‘When you are better, we will unchain you.”)

The KMJS team referred Miguel’s case to the Local Government Unit of Candelaria. He was eventually rescued and taken to Batangas Medical Center, the nearest public hospital that can attend to his needs.

According to the psychiatrist, Miguel has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He is also undernourished and would need adequate nutrition and hydration.

“Sa may mabubuti pong loob ako'y nananawagan na matulungan ang aking anak. Humihingi po ako ng tulong para po siya ay gumaling,” Eleonor said.

(“To those who have kind hearts, I am asking for your help on behalf of my son. I hope you can help us so he can get better.”)

For those who wish to help, you may send your donations to:

LANDBANK Candelaria, Quezon Branch
Account Name: Eleonor A. Castillo
Account Number: 2616 2502 08