Editorial Friday: Sitting down on the questions of elderly persons deprived of liberty during the discussion of the rights of the accused

I sat down today, during Dominic’s discussion of the rights of arrested individuals in the Pag-Asa sa Pagbabagong Buhay webinar series, which was attended by over two hundred (200) jails all over the Philippines.

Noticing the growing number of elderly individuals attending today’s discussion on the rights of arrested persons is more than just a passing observation; it reflects a meaningful shift in societal awareness and concern. Traditionally, conversations about legal rights and justice tend to attract lawyers, activists, or younger generations; however, the presence of many senior citizens inside jail signals a deepening recognition of the importance of these issues across all ages.

In my experience, many seniors have experienced or witnessed instances where their rights were overlooked, leading to injustices that echo through their own lives and communities.

During the open forum, a story of a 71-year-old man accused of an act of lasciviousness asked about the next steps and processes of his legal case, highlighting his inability to provide for his bail and inquiring about available legal remedies.

Lonely, yet this is a stark reminder of how quickly suspicion and fear can invade the lives of individuals, especially the elderly, who are often vulnerable and misunderstood. Such accusations have profound emotional and social implications, often leading to feelings of concern for one’s reputation and dignity.

Their presence serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is continuous.

The elderly attending today’s discussion embody the idea that advocacy and awareness should never be bound by age, but are essential human rights that benefit us all.

Jonathan Bantayan | Community Development Officer

Jonathan Agustin Batayan is a Bachelor of Science in Social Work graduate at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), where he has been a consistent Dean’s Lister and active student leader. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the PLV–Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (2023–2024) and has experience as a community organizer in Sitio Cabatuan, Valenzuela City, and as a tutor under the DSWD Tara Basa! Program.

Jonathan has attended numerous seminars and workshops on child protection, gender and development, community extension, parole and probation social work, and sustainable livelihoods, reflecting his commitment to inclusive and rights-based social services. His academic achievements include graduating with honors in both junior and senior high school and earning recognition in creative writing and essay competitions.

Passionate about leadership, community development, and advocacy, Jonathan continues to hone his skills in critical thinking, social welfare practice, and communication. He envisions himself contributing to the advancement of social work in the Philippines, with a strong focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups and empowering communities.

Alfredo Alaras | Paralegal Consultant

Carmelita Torrefiel | Senior Community Organizer

Carmelita B. Torrefiel is the Senior Community Organizer for the Center for Restorative Action of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF), where she has also served as a Community Organizer and Training Facilitator since 2011. With over two decades of experience in community work, child protection, and restorative justice, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and welfare of children and women.

She previously served as the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Focal Person and Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Desk Officer in Barangay Bagbag, Quezon City, as well as a Project Officer at SAKLAW Foundation, Inc., and a Finance and Documentation Officer at Pax Christi Pastoral Center in Oriental Mindoro. Her extensive experience in grassroots and program management has strengthened local governance mechanisms, including Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children, and anti-VAWC initiatives.

Ms. Torrefiel has been invited as a resource speaker and facilitator by provincial governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and community organizations across the country, particularly on child protection laws, restorative justice, community organizing, and gender-based violence prevention. Her dedication has earned her multiple awards and citations, including the Service Merit Award (Gawad Lasalyano) from De La Salle University’s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) in 2023.

She holds a BS Psychology degree from Arellano University under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) and has pursued numerous professional trainings in leadership, social work, and community development.
Passionate about community organizing, public speaking, and advocacy, Carmelita continues to serve as a strong voice for restorative justice and the protection of vulnerable sectors in society.

Carmela Reyes | Program Officer

Carmela serves as Program Officer at the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. – Center for Restorative Action Program, where she provides technical assistance and develops policy recommendations for psychosocial programs benefiting vulnerable communities.

She has extensive experience in social work practice through her internships at the Quezon City Social Services Development Department, where she worked with children in conflict with the law, as well as with persons with disabilities in community organizing and capacity-building initiatives.

Juanito Vinluan Jr. | Program Officer

Juanito S. Vinluan Jr. is a licensed social worker and Program Officer for the Jail Decongestion Program of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (2003) and became a registered social worker in 2005. He later pursued law studies at the Philippine College of Criminology – Manila Law College, where he attained his Juris Doctor degree in 2012.

With more than a decade of experience in social work, paralegal assistance, and program management, Juanito has contributed to HLAF’s initiatives such as the Focused Reintegration of Ex-Detainees (FRED) Program and Jail Decongestion (JD) Program, the implementation of the Detainees’ Notebook, and the development of paralegal handbooks in partnership with various institutions. He has also served as a co-facilitator and mentor for law internship and clinical legal education programs in partnership with Ateneo, San Beda, UST, and other law schools nationwide.

Before his work in HLAF, he served as a Medical Social Welfare Officer at East Avenue Medical Center for six years, and gained private sector experience with UNILAB and other pharmaceutical companies.

Married and a father of four, Juanito balances his professional role with his commitment to family life, faith, and service. His career reflects his dedication to social justice, access to legal aid, and the welfare of persons deprived of liberty.

Rubelin Rivera | Finance and Administrative Assistant

Rubelin L. Rivera is a young professional with a background in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. With experience as a cashier, human resources assistant, and office clerk in both government and private institutions, she has developed strong skills in communication, adaptability, and time management.

She has served as a Logistics/Office Clerk at GreatHope General Services Inc., and continues to build her career in administrative and organizational support while aspiring to further expand her knowledge and professional growth.

Sharmaine Jintalan | Finance, Administrative, and Personnel Officer

Sharmaine P. Jintalan is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in finance, administration, inventory management, and IT support. She holds a degree in Information Technology from Speed Computer College, where she was a consistent Dean’s Lister, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy to further enhance her expertise in the field.

With a solid background in accounting, warehouse coordination, and office management, Sharmaine has successfully contributed to the operational and financial efficiency of various organizations, including the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation and HMR Trading Haus Philippines. She is proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite, and various inventory and documentation systems.

Her experience spans financial reporting, payroll processing, inventory control, and technical support, reflecting her versatility and reliability in both office and field settings. Sharmaine also holds certifications in Computer Hardware Servicing (NCII) and has completed numerous workshops in accounting, taxation, and BIR compliance. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Sharmaine brings a strong work ethic, accuracy, and a proactive mindset to every role she takes on.

Ma. Cristina Belardo | Legal and Policy Director

Ma. Cristina S. Belardo is a dedicated lawyer with a strong background in human rights, litigation, legal policy, and academia. She assists in the development and implementation of strategic plans, provides leadership and support to staff, and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission. In this capacity, she develops and implements comprehensive legal policies, conducts research and advocacy, and engages in participatory governance for policy development.

She actively participates in Technical Working Groups, contributing to policy development and analysis on issues concerning Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), Persons Released on Recognizance (PRLs), Children-at-Risk, and Children in Conflict with the Law. She also serves as a lecturer for paralegal training, focusing on laws affecting PDLs, women, and children.

In academia, Atty. Belardo is a part-time lecturer at Forbes College, teaching Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence. She develops and updates course syllabi and learning materials in alignment with academic standards, contributing to the formation of future criminology and law professionals.

Her corporate legal experience includes serving as Assistant Corporate Secretary for Forbes College, Inc. and Forbes Academy, Inc., where she ensures compliance with SEC requirements, manages corporate records, and prepares legal documents. She also held the position of Compliance Officer, where she developed institutional policies, investigated compliance complaints, mediated disputes, and supported accreditation reviews to uphold ethical and legal standards.

Melvin Nunez | Strategic Social Behavior Change Communications and Advocacy Officer

Melvin leads the Strategic Communications and Social Behavior Change team of HLAF.

Melvin is trained and has expertise in Social Behavioral Change Communication, Development Communication, Journalism, Community Organizing, Community Development, Storytelling, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Networking.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Communication from Batangas State University and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Communication at the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (on-going thesis).

He has been involved in international and local human rights certifications from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime & Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Press Institute, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, UNESCO Jakarta, the Embassy of Netherlands, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, and the Commission on Human Rights.

He was a consultant to various local government and non-governmental organizations, including Caritas Manila, Plan International, the Local Council for the Protection of Children Consortium, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Commission on Human Rights, the Coalition Against the Death Penalty, Batangas State University, and the Philippine Press Institute, among others.

As the Social Behavioral Change Communication and Advocacy Officer, Melvin has played a crucial role in crafting impactful communication strategies that inspire positive change and amplify advocacy efforts. His work involves designing and implementing communication campaigns that promote driving social behavioral transformation.

Jean Aubree Ruby Sadural | Executive Director

Born and raised in Baguio City, Atty. Jean Aubree Ruby Sadural brings the freshest ideas for HLAF as an Economics and Law graduate from Saint Louis University.

Atty. Aubree has been working with HLAF for more than seven (7) years already as a staff lawyer, former jail decongestion program officer, and director of programs. Her specialization includes jail decongestion, criminal law, children’s rights, child protection laws, and reintegration, among others.

She also worked with the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, Inc. -Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth-Philippines (LRC-KsK/ FoE-Phils.) from 2013–2016, where she conducted legal research on natural resources and reviewed Philippine Mine case studies and facilitated dialogues with their partner communities.

Under the Jail Decongestion Project of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), she served as a Legal Specialist from 2019-2022 where she helped capacitate CHR regional offices and focal persons, to conduct jail decongestion programs, and helped develop a paralegal handbook which includes a guide for visiting jails and courts, as well as a list of recommended paralegal actions and interventions to address the issues and problems frequently faced by persons deprived of liberty.

Atty. Aubree is happily ruled by her three fluffy, adorable cats. When she’s not at HLAF, she’s off on adventures, leaving her footprints around the globe and hunting for the cutest and weirdest souvenirs. A proud anime enthusiast and Call of Duty (COD) gamer, she’s always ready for her next quest!