Not satisfied to remain in Ireland working in a low-paid job for which he was over qualified, Fergal Mawe has taken his newly acquired legal skills and put them to work for the benefit of underprivileged children in the Philippines:
Sold by their parents; trafficked at night to a sex bar; made to entertain Western paedophiles by a pimp...the horrible story continues! This was the tragic life of some 20 girls who were rescued from this awful situation and who are now currently residing at the People’s Recovery Empowerment and Development Assistance (PREDA) in Olongapo, the Philippines and it is where I volunteer.
PREDA was set up by Columban Fr Shay Cullen in 1976, and acts as a refuge home for these girls where they are provided with counselling, an education and free legal aid. Besides this Refuge Home, PREDA also provides an additional home for 41 other girls who have been sexually abused in their communities, as well a home for 60 boys who have been rescued from the most appalling detention cells after allegedly committing acts of petty crime.
How I came to PREDA...
Last year I finished my apprenticeship with Cahir & Co. Solicitors in Ireland. I was left with the usual dilemma as a newly-qualified solicitor - whether to find a low-paid job for which I would be over-qualified, or to join the nearest dole queue. Neither option was very attractive, so I turned my attention to the human rights sector; in particular to child protection, a sector that I feel particularly passionate about.
I contacted Viatores Christi - a recruitment agency for development workers in the NGO/missionary sector. On completing the Viatores Christi programme, I was referred to the PREDA Foundation in the Philippines.
Out of my element
A reasonable question to ask is, what can a newly-qualified Irish solicitor do outside of his jurisdiction, and in a country that doesn’t speak English? Thankfully, the Philippine Statute and Court proceedings are both in English, and based upon the American Judicial system, which is not completely alien to our own. But Irish solicitors are not qualified in the Philippines and therefore cannot represent clients in court, or witness affidavits. However there is much that we can help with. I work in PREDA’s legal department with two other paralegals. Between us we share over 130 ongoing cases, half of which deal with the prosecution of paedophiles, and the other half with the criminal defence of juveniles.
The effects of corruption
In working with the girls, PREDA is on the side of the prosecution; when requested by the prosecutor, we obtain the client’s birth certificate, sworn statements, medico-legal reports and various other court documents to ensure effective case management. This may sound relatively easy but when your dealing with a judicial system where corruption is endemic, the day-to-day business becomes an uphill battle. This is especially noticeable in cases against elected officials wherein I am met with a never-ending series of counter-claims and procedural objections that any learned judge would immediately dismiss.
Corruption is also seen in the fact that it can take up to 12 years to secure a conviction against a paedophile, particularly if it’s a Westerner.
In regards to legal work for the boys, PREDA is involved on the side of defending those rescued from prisons by the PREDA Juvenile Prison Team. Most of these boys stole items such as mobile phones, sandals or small amounts of cash, but they are nonetheless detained in cells the size of box rooms along with up to six others, including adults, for periods of over six months. Most of these boys during their period of detention will not have had a court appearance and will not have had proper day-to-day care, sanitary facilities, exercise or exposure to natural daylight - in simple terms it’s a living hell.
A well-developed system
What attracted me mostly to PREDA is that the organisation not only provides legal services but also therapy; counselling; micro- financing for families; human rights training for the police, schools and Local Councils as well as preventive education. PREDA also provides real protection and delivers this with common sense and mutual trust.
There is nothing more rewarding than to wake up everyday knowing that the next 9 hours will be spent working towards the rights of the child and the human rights of the poor. This particular type of work, and what I have seen of the work of the Columbans throughout the Philippines, is a testament to their bravery, their faith and their commitment.
I consider it a privilege to be part of this work.
The PREDA Foundation welcomes intern students and social work researchers of psychology; law; penology/criminology; child psychology; business management (with an interest in Fair Trade); and students of other disciplines to apply for placement from two weeks to six months.
PREDA offers a comprehensive orientation and study program complete with field trips to the PREDA projects and provides workshops and guidance to all volunteers, interns and students.
For more information please contact...
People's Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation (PREDA)
Email: Information Officer, predainfo@preda.org
- please copy your email to Columban Fr Shay Cullen: shaycullen@preda.org
Website: www.preda.org
Fergal Mawe is a young Irish solicitor serving as a volunteer with PREDA. Fr Shay Cullen SSC has been a missionary in the Philippines since 1969 and is the founder of the People's Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation (PREDA).
Read another article on PREDA: UCANews interviews Columban Fr Shay Cullen
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