– a second chance at new life HARVARD VERITAS
HOW many times do we see on TV, read in the newspapers, hear in the radio and in social media about the many crimes happening around us. Some crimes are so heinous that it is almost unimaginable how the victims can get justice. With the enactment of RA 6981, or the Witness Protection, Security and
boost. This law seeks to encourage a person who has witnessed or has knowledge of the commission of a crime to testify before a court or quasi-judicial body, or before an investigating authority, by protecting him from reprisals and economic dislocation.
The Zonta Club of Metropolitan Pasig ( ZCMP) took the initiative to start a new project to assist the beneficiaries of the Witness Protection Program ( WPP), majority of whom are women. Together with our vice area 5 director, Susan Lim, and club president, Flery Jimenez, we visited and interacted with 25 Metro Manila- based WPPs who underwent livelihood training in preparation for the time when they can resume their normal lives once the cases where they are witnesses are resolved. We were told that there are some 6,000 people around the country under WPP.
In accordance with their rules and regulations, we had to keep the identities of these WPPs confidential. We took their pictures showing only their backs. We introduced ourselves and oriented them about Zonta International with emphasis on our flagship program on Stopping Violence Against Women (VAW). Many of them were women who shared their experiences as victims of violence. We explained that we are starting this program of training them for livelihood. We had a trainor from Tesda who taught them how to be haircutters. We provided each trainee with a complete kit for their use in starting a new undertaking, such as scissors, powder, alcohol, lotion, cotton. We wanted it to be a skill- based venture with minimal capital requirement. Another project in the pipeline is the provision of sewing machines for their use in producing rugs to be sold in the market. This would require more logistics and coordination with other agencies and associations. With proper planning, we believe that this is doable.
Until I attended this special assistance project of the DoJ WPP, I did not realize the economic im- By force of circumstances, these witnesses have suffered not just separation from their families but also economic dislocation as they cannot work in the jobs which they had before. They have to stay in safehouses to safeguard their identities and secure them from threats and risks to their lives. They have to endure loneliness and boredom as they worried about their families’ welfare. Once the cases in which they are witnesses are completed and resolved, these witnesses have to face the reality of living on their own.
During our interaction with them, we felt their anxiety and fear on how to start all over again. Most of them are women who have not only witnessed violence but also victims themselves of violence. As Zontians, we felt morally responsible to assist them in getting a second chance at new life. Hence, we thought of livelihood training which would give them the skill to earn a living as they start a new life. We gave them counseling on how to re-enter society after having been isolated for some time. We need
and reinforce their trust in the justice system. Otherwise, they will be goners and losers.
I used to know about WPP only in Hollywood movies and TV shows. I came to appreciate its real- life importance after meeting these people who related to us their actual experiences. Our guide to this safehouse told us that one big- time personality under WPP is responsible for exposing the large cache of drugs that had been smuggled through the customs. The WPP recipients are spread out in various safehouses nationwide. One very close friend of mine has been in the WPP for more than five years now for testifying on the multi- million tax credit scam. I called her up after I returned home and I can now relate to her story of sacrifice as they live in a safehouse. Indeed, the WPP has helped in the delivery of justice and crime solution. However, it can stand more improvement and strengthening, given the resources of the government and the cooperation of citizens.