Quezon City social workers rescue 76-year-old woman ‘locked up’ in own home

Quezon City's Social Services Development Department has rescued a 76-year-old woman who was allegedly locked up inside her home.

 

According to an exclusive "24 Oras" report, city authorities learned about the woman's condition through a viral Facebook photo of her peering through a small opening at the bottom of the house's gate.


 

The post said that the old woman asked her neighbors for food everyday. It added that relatives were just waiting for the old woman to die so they can sell the said property, which is located in Galas, Barangay San Isidro. 

 

She was brought to the hospital where she went through a number of tests. But according to the initial assessment of the health workers, the old woman may be suffering from malnutrition and arthritis. 

 

"'Yung sa tuhod niya kasi, lumalabas na arthritis ang findings nila. Kung hindi man siya ma-admit at okay naman po 'yung health niya... walang komplikasyon, ilalagay namin siya sa temporary shelter namin siya sa Payatas," said Monette Castalla of the Quezon City Social Services Development Department.

 

The authorities also promised she will never have to go back her old home. 

 

When GMA News paid the subject of the viral Facebook post a visit, it was found out that she was living alone in an apartment unit without electricity and water. Her home smelled of urine and feces. 

 

She could no longer walk, and kept talking to her late husband,"Benjie." 

 

According to her co-tenants who refused to appear on camera, the gate was locked so that no strangers can enter the house. 

 

They also said that they are the ones who have been feeding the old woman and helping her clean up her home. 

 

Meanwhile, a relative of the old woman denied that the family abandoned her. The relative said in a phone interview with GMA News that they visit and bring food to her once or twice a week. 

 

They were also planning to transfer the old woman to a better home or to a care facility, the relative said. — Trisha Macas/JDS, GMA News