'I-Witness' wins Bronze World Medal in the 2016 New York Festivals

The Philippines’ longest-running documentary “I-Witness” won a Bronze World Medal for “Dorm 12,” a documentary by Kara David in the prestigious 2016 New York Festivals.

“Dorm 12” sheds light about the heart-wrenching situation of aging inmates of Dorm 12 at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City. In the documentary, David met Petra Lukingan or “Lola Petra,” the oldest inmate in the correctional. The 91 year-old inmate could not even read and write, but was still convicted due to four counts of falsification of public documents.

Ever since Lola Petra’s story was aired, the winds have shifted.  After David’s Papal Coverage, she visited Lola Petra at the correctional to personally give the rosary that was blessed by the Pope himself.

And then on February 2015, a miracle happened.

After serving three years, two months, and 9 days in prison, Lola Petra Lukingan was granted freedom upon issuance of the release order from the Board of Pardons and Parole.

"Malaya na si Lola Petra. Salamat, Panginoon!", says Kara David (Photo courtesy: Kara David)

“Kasama po si Ma’am Kara David at ang buong I-Witness team, sinundo namin siya. Noong nakita ko po siya na nakalaya na, sobrang saya ko po kasi sa wakas makakasama na namin siya at maaalagaan kasi 91 taong-gulang na si Auntie Petra,” shares Basilio Bati-el, one of Lola Petra’s nephews.

As of now, Lola Petra is living with his son Noble Lukingan in Kias, Baguio City.

“Kasama niya ngayon ‘yung anak niyang si Noble, kapag may panahon binibisita rin siya ng isa pa niyang anak na si Harry. Paminsan-minsan lumalabas sila para mamasyal o kaya naman pumupunta sa kapitbahay si Auntie para makipagkuwentuhan,” says Dra. Teresita Pasiwen, Lola Petra’s niece.

To know more about Lola Petra’s life inside the prison, here is the full episode of Kara David’s “Dorm 12.”