For many reasons, Alfredo has often been regarded as the black sheep of his family. During childhood, he always saw his parents quarrel and fight for certain causes. His childhood was different from that of many kids today. As young as 12, he already learned to drink alcohol and even smoke a cigarette.
When his family found out about his bad habits, he was beaten badly by his elder brother and locked in his room. Being locked, and beaten, he felt that he didn’t belong to them, so he began enjoying and exploring things with his friends. With his eager will to try to get along with his friends and the pressure from his peers, he then learned to commit different crimes. Crimes such as Robbery, Physical Injuries, and even came to a point where his friends and he committed a Homicide.
He was caught and went to jail in 1969 at Quezon City Jail. In 1971, he was one of the individuals together with heads of jail cells thrown into Muntinlupa City Jail due to a hunger strike. However, because of Martial Law, and its implications, he was one (1) out of the 1,500 inmates thrown into Iwahig Penal Colony in Palawan. Inmates in this facility were known to be notorious and dangerous. According to him, his life was challenging at that time. Every day, he would climb mountains and work in the general services department of the facility for twelve (12) hours.
As time passed by, he realized that he missed his Mother since no one could visit him apart from the distance and the strict protocols of the facility. This instance gave him the determination to do good and become stronger. He was transferred to an outpost where he could roam freer after eight (8) months.
He was given parole in 1977. He then came home to Quezon City, where his family lives. However, he said that the attitude of his father and his older brother never changed for him. It was like a flashback of the older years, he said.
Longing for care and acceptance, he wandered at Luneta (Rizal Park), which is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, and plays a significant role in shaping the history of the Philippines. After several months of being in Luneta and becoming friends with many, he was then called “Freddie Luneta”, and established Pamilya Paraya which grew several members and was fed by devious crimes and actions.
Because of the deviant actions of the group, he was captured and detained again in 1978. That time, he believed that it was the end for him, he felt that he would rot and die in Muntinlupa City Jail. For him, during the darkest times of his incarceration, he believed justice is justiis (just endure/bear), as no one was there for him until he met different paralegal volunteers who assisted them with their cases. Three (3) years later, he was involved in Life, a Spiritual Seminar inside the jail, and met Rogelio “Altar” Gloria, his discussion leader. Altar was a Death Row inmate and known for multiple killings until he was given a chance to change and renew himself. According to Alfredo, Altar worked hard and encouraged him to listen to God, changed his perspectives and views in life, and taught him a lot of life-long learnings.
This time, he felt lighter and understood himself, his capability, his characteristics, and his skills. He became more open and started reading the Bible, where he would stay all night long. It was that moment when he realized that God was preparing him for his release and adorn life.
When the Spirit of God moves, even the toughest of prisoners cannot stand in His way. I’ve done so many things wrong in my life, made so many wrong turns,” Alfredo said. “But I know that God is real. I want more of Jesus, more of His presence”. The presence of God felt evident through his years, he even met the love of his life when being transformed and after being released.
Alfredo no longer did crimes but served in the Parishes of Taguig until he was able to establish a community in all of them. He believed that God used him to create these communities for people. When he became friends with Bishop Anton Pascual, he was engaged in multiple speaking activities. It was not only his role during his transformation, he also tried to understand and even train for law-related concerns such as Case Follow-Ups and Consultations which he obtained by participating in various organizations in Metro Manila.
Alfredo or Kuya Freddie, which most of us know, then expanded his jail work where he was involved in HLAF (Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation) as a volunteer. It was in 2008 when he met Atty. Rommel “Iyok” Alim Abitria (HLAF Executive Director) at Taguig City Jail. After years of hard work, dedication, established connection, and trust, he became a regular staff in the organization as a Paralegal Assistant up to the present.
Kuya Freddie would always want to highlight that this Salvific Experience changed his life, views, attitudes, and love for God. This time, it was Pagbabago at Pag-Asa who led him to who he is today. He prays that Prison Fellowship and the Ministry will bear more volunteers, continue watering the seed, and see it grow.
