MANILA, Philippines --- He was a sick man when he first came to jail, but he went out a happy, healthy, and improved man.

Edsel C. Parangan, 39, was committed at Surigao del Norte District Jail (SNDJ), Surigao City, Surigao del Norte on March 8, 2010 for a crime of robbery. He had a mass in his palate when he was committed to SNDJ.

He requested for a remedy, and the SNDJ management took it upon themselves to seek help for his operation. The help came from the Provincial Health Office of Surigao del Norte. His mass was taken away eventually, and Edsel found it as a blessing that he was under the care of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during his time of need.

"If I had not been taken into prison, I would not have had a free operation for my illness," said Edsel.

But it was not the operation which helped Edsel transform. Through the BJMP's Therapeutic Community Modality Program, Edsel found spiritual sustenance. He forgot his old and "filthy" life in jail, and became a more responsible individual after becoming an active member of a Christian Group that conducts spiritual fellowships.

Edsel also availed of the Alternative Learning System of the SNDJ, and this benefited him since he only finished third year high school.

He was released on August 5, 2011. Edsel now lives peacefully with his neighbors in Dinagat Province. Every time he visits Surigao City, he makes it a point to drop by SNDJ and help other inmates through Bible studies."Edsel is just among the millions of brethren behind bars who experience transformations, but each one has a unique story of their own," said the BJMP.

source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/363296/exinmate-s-new-lease-on-life