Why is a 19-year-old woman in La Union locked up in a small hut by her family?

A 19-year-old woman in La Union has been locked up in a small hut for over a year.

As seen in the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the hut has no door, is barely enough for one person, and only has small hole that allow "Mia" to put her hands out.

According to her mother, Delia, they used to live in Benguet. There, she noticed a change in her daughter's behavior when "Mia" turned 16. She was eventually diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia.

"Bulakbol na. Sabi ng teacher, palaging nag-aabsent. Hindi siya makatulog, lakad nang lakad kahit na hatinggabi," Delia said.

"Hindi niya alam anong ginagawa niya. Sinasaktan niya 'yung sarili niya. 'Pag nagluluto ako, kinukuha 'yung kaldero na [pinalo] sa ulo ko," she added.

("She started skipping school. She couldn't sleep, she'd keep pacing around. She was no longer conscious of what she was doing. She started hurting herself. When I'd cook, she'd hit me as well.")

"Mia" would also grab a knife in the kitchen, her grandmother Rosing said. Fearing that they would get hurt, they had no choice but to bring "Mia" to Bargulin, La Union and lock her up.

Since then, Mia's aunt, Nora had been taking care of her.

"Nakakakonsensya pero wala kaming magagawa kasi nakakatakot naman kasi kung ilabas namin. Ayaw naming maikulong dito."

("It pains me to see her in such a state, but we had no other choice.")

To provide for her needs, Mia's family would just hand things over through the small hole.

It is also through these holes that they cut Mia's nails and hand her a hose so she could bathe.

Delia said she and her husband Berting want to help their daughter get better. They have reached out to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, but to no avail.

"Hindi ko kayang tingnan. Gusto kong maipagamot kasi bata pa 'yan eh, may future pa. Ang sakit-sakit. Gusto ko siyang kunin pero wala akong magawa," Delia said.

("I can't bear to see her suffer. I want her to get better because she has an entire future ahead of her. I want to be the one to care for her, but I can't.")

Upon learning about the condition of "Mia," the Baguio General Hospital volunteered to rescue and give her the medication and guidance she needs.

"Mabibigyan siya ng mga karampatang mga gamot and therapy din po na kailangan niya. [Two] weeks or more ang admission namin," said Dr. Libag. "If may makita na kaming improvement within [two weeks], pwede na pong i-discharge 'yung patient."

("She'll be given the necessary medication and therapy. She'll be admitted for two weeks, and if we see enough progress, she can be discharged. ")

Fortunately, "Mia" was calm enough to go with the rescuers. This also allowed her loved ones to see her again for the first time after one year and three months.

"Matagal na inaantay ko po ito pero ngayon, naibigay na. Masaya ako. Sana gumaling na po si [Mia] at maraming maraming salamat sa inyo," Delia said.

("I've waited for this moment for so long. I'm so happy that "Mia" is finally getting the medical treatment she needs. I hope she gets better. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.")

According to the National Center for Mental Health, based on the US data, about 1% of the general population has schizophrenia, and that is 1 out of 100.

NCMH reminded that those with mental conditions should get proper medical treatment despite their state.

"Kailangan dalhin sa Psychiatrist para matulungan siya. 'Yung family member na kinukulong natin na 'di nabibigay 'yung gamot would probably feel isolated, neglected, rejected," they said.

"Kinakailangan pa rin natin as overall well-being na may sun exposure tayo kasi the sun provides vitamin D so for our overall health din. Being able to step out and interact with others, nakakatulong din 'yon."

("For her to get better, she needs to be checked on by a psychiatrist. A person locked up would feel isolated, neglected, and rejected. For a person's overall well-being, they need to have enough sun exposure. They need to be able to step out and interact with others."

The agency added that they are in the "process of developing more hospitals" in accordance with the Mental Health Act.

If you or someone you know needs help, you may contact NCMH through the numbers on their website.

For those interested in extending help, meanwhile, here is where you can make your donations:

BDO
LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET BRANCH
Account Name: MERLY S. DUMAGUING
Account Number: 005180439524

—JCB/MGP, GMA Integrated News