When I wrote my blog the other day about Vergel, I was not expecting what has happened the last day or so. One by one, pretty much all of Vergel’s family has come forth to tell me his full story, but also send their support. I had no idea how spread out Vergel’s family was, but as I received calls and messages from Manila, Denmark, Canada, and even California, I realized this must be a little tougher on Vergel than I expected. He was literally blindsided and most of his family is just now hearing the news that he was arrested in October.
Odeth is Vergel’s sister and was the first to reach out to me. Only a couple of hours after posting the blog, I got a message from Odeth who just happened upon a blog I had just written. She works as a nurse in Denmark and has been trying to help Vergel’s case from half way around the world. Odeth has been trying to rally her family, church, churches she knows in Bukidnon, and anyone else that will listen. She has been trying to support her brother financially, spiritually, and now through me, emotionally. It was one of the most touching things when I relayed the messages from his mother and sister this morning. I could see the joy take over as he realized he had his family’s support.
As I tried to relay the reality of Vergel’s situation to his sister and family, I couldn’t find the words at times. While Vergel is surrounded by men that are guilty of their crimes, it really is a joyful place to be. He landed in the cell where God has brought His light in the midst of where darkness and dark thoughts have been silenced. Vergel didn’t show up in a prison cell, he showed up in a church. Nevertheless, the conditions aren’t ideal, and while these men can be like brothers, it is still straining to not even know if your family knows where you are.
Over the last couple of days, Odeth and I have traded strategies on how to successfully handle Vergel’s case. After five months, this next week the courts will reopen Vergel’s case for a reinvestigation of alibis. If justice stands and corruption is silenced, Vergel should walk free. However, if his alibis “don’t check out” then the whole game will change. My stance has been to just try and encourage this family and challenge them to support their brother, cousin, and son as best as possible. I heard tonight that one of Odeth’s churches is actually fasting until Vergel can see justice.
Despite being on three different continents, this family is coming together to make sure Vergel is supported. It really has been a beautiful picture of being a true family and not allowing injustice to stand. Fighting injustice alone is exhausting, and Vergel will tell you that. However, when we talked this morning, Vergel was able to take a deep breath and realize that he’s not the only one fighting. Even if some things have no effect on us, it’s a crime to stay silent. This family refuses to let this stand…
