3 Foreword by Richardo Macal

Director of New Bilibid Prison

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Matth 25 verse 36

Director of Bureau of Correction Muntinlupa City Republic of the Philippines

It is both a privilege and pleasure to write the foreword of this book in my capacity as Director of the Bureau of Corrections. By the grace of the Almighty God, I accepted this challenge with the knowledge that people are put in prison, not for further punishment, but rather that they may benefit from their confinement and re-enter the community with positive attitudes.

The Bureau’s mission is the orderly rehabilitation of its wards when clearly their spiritual upliftment is of major significance. A former prisoner, Reverent Lucas P. Dangatan, Jr. Founded the New Bilibid Prison Christian Church and Theological Institute in 1989 after his release. Just recently, he was appointed President of the Trojan Horse International Christian Ministries (Philippines) Incorporated, in recognition of his spiritual guidance extended to past and present inmates.

The work of Trojan Horse Ministries and other similar organization is truly impressive as manifested by the sixty-five testimonies of former hardcore criminals who have been imbued with the Holy Spirit. This book focuses on these people who are a small, but important illustration of how “faith moves mountains”. Clearly any guidance of this nature is wholly empathetic with the Bureau’s mission and I, as Director, will ensure the prison records of those who have “positively found their way” will attest the same in support of “Executive Clemency” application.

It has been said that people are responsible for the result of the organisations that they serve. Nobody can really argue with that statement, but it remains most apposite in the “correction” industry. All of us must pull together in ensuring the Bureau of Corrections succeeds in its mission and objectives. Accordingly, I extend my thanks and gratitude to all the “Trojan Horses” in our community and wish them success. Ad infinitum.

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P/Col Ricardo B. Macala. Hon. Director Bureau of Corrections.

“Bilangguan Man ay Paraiso sa Patakaran no Maka Diyos at Maka Tao”