Woman with mental illness locked in cage in Daet, Camarines Norte

MANILA, Philippines - A woman suffering from mental illness was found locked inside a cage in Daet, Camarines Norte for the past four years. Her family decided to lock up Nene, who is suffering from schizophrenia, to prevent her from being violent.

Woman with mental illness locked in cage in Daet, Camarines Norte

The plight of Nene and her family was revealed in a report by Reel Time on GMA News TV.

“Yan si Nene mahilig yan mangkagat, mangpaso, magsigaw. Kinulong namen si Nene para hindi makasakit sa iba,” Rosa said.

According to her parents Berto and Rosa, Nene lived a normal life until her husband suddenly left her along with their daughter. Unable to cope with the distressing situation, Nene’s behavior started to change.

“Noong umalis na yung asawa niya, lagi na siyang galit, laging lahat na kami sinasakal na ako. Yung kapatid niya pinupukpok ng kutsara, nangbabato,” Rosa recalled.

Realizing that Nene needed medical attention, the poor family brought her to a hospital in Camarines Sur. Although she received treatment in the hospital for two months, they had no choice but to bring her home and lock her in since they didn’t have money to support her treatment.

“Doon namen dinala si Nene sa Camarines Sur. Nagtagal si Nene ng dalawang buwan. Ang sabi ng doktor, na-trauma lang daw si Nene kasi yang anak di niya nakikita,” Rosa recounted.

Like his parents, Nene’s brother Oliver also wants her sister to receive the treatment she needs.

“Pag lumalapit po ako sa kulungan minsan kinakabahan po ako. Naawa po ako kay Ate kasi ganyan po ang sitwasyon. Parang akala mo lang po’y sang baby na nakakulong,” Oliver said.

Luckily, the Reel Time team offered to give the assistance Nene’s family needs in order to bring her to the appropriate treatment facility. Nene was brought to Cadian Mental Hospital in Pili, Camarines Sur.

After Nene underwent assessment, Dr. Edessa P. Laguidao, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychiatry Department Head of Bicol Medical Center, concluded that Nene was suffering from schizophrenia.

“Kasi yang pasyente naten, yung anak nita inilayo sa kanya, so pwedeng yung separation na tagning pinanghahawakan niya na lang para maging inspirado o interesado sa buhay tinanggal pa sa kanya,” Dr. Laguidao explained.

Dr. Laguidao recommends that Nene undergo assessment and treatment for the next two weeks. If she doesn’t show improvement, she will be transferred to the female ward for further treatment.

Schizophrenia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. This disabling disorder usually starts between ages 16 and 30.

Watch the video (courtesy of GMA News TV)


-- Mini, The Summit Express



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