Whatever happened to British detained?

[fred]

Good Stuff Chaps sorry been so busy recently will try and join up the Yahoo groups then see what I can help do from there.

maybe a balikbayan Box could be sent over from Flilip Uk contents collected and sent over? I know it will take a while to collect and send but may help those who cant contribute much money wise?

Have a facebook and twitter page been created yet? the more publicty the better as you say.

Good idea about an LBC BB box!!
Could put anything inside from a carboot sale..Like loads of 20 pence books and bright yellow T shirts and other stuff David mentioned like antiseptic creams,soap,toothpaste etc.. Maybe tins of cheap baked beans,HP sauce that kind of thing. Could also include letters from members etc.
It would be great if we could pull that one of as a Brit Filipino online community!!

[JimOttley]

As David said Fred we need to be careful that we don't start arousing a sense of envy in the other inmates or in the guards, remember the guards will be getting paid pennies and might not be a lot better off than some of the prisoners.

I think if a box were sent in the full knowledge that much of it would be shared, then it would be a very good idea.

[Sim11UK]

Thanks Fred
The Yahoo group is a bit crazy & difficult to keep up with, but finally some good seems to have come from it.

[fred]

Thanks Fred
The Yahoo group is a bit crazy & difficult to keep up with, but finally some good seems to have come from it.

He he..Yeah!!
A few of them will, I'm sure get some cash to David so he doesn't go to the prison empty handed on Thursday !!
Thats good enough for me at this point..

[fred]

As David said Fred we need to be careful that we don't start arousing a sense of envy in the other inmates or in the guards, remember the guards will be getting paid pennies and might not be a lot better off than some of the prisoners.

I think if a box were sent in the full knowledge that much of it would be shared, then it would be a very good idea.

Point taken Jim.. and thanks for the western union info..They mentioned another filipino cash delivery company Ive never heard of.. Wonder if they are cheaper?

[JimOttley]

Most of the Western Union shops are Cebuana Lhuillier pawn shops

The Cebuana Lhuillier are everywhere I don't know about local transfer via them but yeah it might be cheaper.

Saying that Western Union might be a lot cheaper on internal transfers in the Phils I only really know about the international service which is robbery

[currywolf]

Dear forum
I am one of the moderators of the Help Kevin Taylor yahoo group (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Help_Kevin_Taylor/) I am writing to let you know that thinsg are happening in support of the Taylors. This includes contact with the Parents in the UK, Contact with the FCO and visits with Kevin and Charlene by members of the yahoo group. So far a Frenchman visited last week and will go again next week, an Aussie ex of Glasgow went 2 days a go and will go again in 3 weeks and there is to be another hearing for the couple on 8th March.
There are a number of things happening in the background and I urge everyone to please just sit tight for a week or two to allow things we have put in place to work through. If we have no success by early March we may well try to get a co-ordinated campaign going. But having discussed strategy with Kevin’s parents i ask everyone just for now not to rock the boat.

[currywolf]

i have posted a lot about this case on the help kevin taylor yahoo group. but to answer the question. The embassy (actually it's a consular service part of the foreign and commonwealth office - FCO) visit about once every 3 months and that is to pass on the donation from Prisoners Abroad of £25 per month (paid quarterley) and a vitamin allowance of £12.75 per month. The embassy and FCO WILL NOT DISCUSS the case with anyone except family under data protection laws but they are asking Kevin for permission to talk to me. They are limited in what assistance they can give as they cannot interfere with another country's judicial system no matter how unfair the case seems. i will post more information in due course but the reason http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Help_Kevin_Taylor/ was set up was that people from many groups could have 1 place to discuss and offer help. I have to say that the Brits (and although I live in Ireland I am one) have been embarrassingly thin on the ground in helping compared to the aussies/ Kiwis / yanks and French

[fred]

Thanks Currywolf..And welcome to the forum.
Ive stayed pretty quiet recently due to your requests not to rock the boat...
There have been a few Brits from this site that have joined the Yahoo group and pledged money..
It would be nice if we could get some more..
We will look forward to the next visitors report.
Im pretty sure that the money sent to David will make K&C life a lot more comfortable than it has been in a long long time..
Something to be proud of.
Cheers,Fred..(Zeff)

[fred]

Most of the Western Union shops are Cebuana Lhuillier pawn shops

The Cebuana Lhuillier are everywhere I don't know about local transfer via them but yeah it might be cheaper.

Saying that Western Union might be a lot cheaper on internal transfers in the Phils I only really know about the international service which is robbery

Jim..Costs to send 2 K internal transfer was only 130 Pesos... Not too bad IMO.

[JimOttley]

That's not bad Fred, 6 percent is a lot better than the 10 percent to send 50 quid or 25 percent they charge to send 20 quid internationally.

I side stepped and used paypal, much cheaper

[Sim11UK]

Latest hearing today & tomorrow???
Hope it's good news.

[fred]

Sim..Any speculation at this time could effect the case.. Please forgive me for editing your post and contact me via PM for further details.

[fred]

As before.. I wont let this slip..
Lots of stuff happening behind the scenes which at this point I cannot comment on.. Will update as appropriate..
Cheers,
Fred.

[Sim11UK]

[fred]

I have recieved the following letter from Charlene to you all. I have retyped
thye hand written letter verbatim and will post the scanned original later but
the content is exactly as follows: From Frank..List moderator.

To the group from Charlene 17 feb 2011
Dear all,
God be with you! Thank you so much for your support and for those who kept us
going. It was a nice surprise to know that we are still remembered and that many
others are with a kind heart to help us.

It's been almost two years now since Kevin and I are incarcerated , we have been
through a lot of hell and pain while in here. We have almost lost our lives
during the typhoon, been very ill and mentally drain. But during the time that
Kevin and I almost loosing every bit of our hope you guys came along and that is
SOMETHING we are so grateful about. My tears and my broken hearty was filled
with joy as you have given us the care, love and hope we needed.

Thanks you so much for being so kind to us both inspite of us being strangers.
Thanks you for the things you given us as it was a big help honestly. Things
that we are not expecting from people who are strangers things that are so
important for us to survive. Thank you so much.

Honestly, everyday as I wake up, first thing I think I am worried about is how
will Kevin get food, that really hurts me especially when he sends letters
asking if I have some food and I can't give him anything as I myself doesn't
have as well. It almost broken my heart when the food supply is fish as I know
he can't eat it and he will go hungry again.

I feel useless when a simple disposable razor and a hair cut for him he can't
have as we have nothing. For the past year we tired to survive form everything
we can get through donations and Dad's help. Many times we just cry as we are so
shy already to ask Dad But now we are so grateful to have you guys. Not only for
the things you can give us but also for the moral support and care we needed.
May the Lord God always return all the favours and blessings you have given to
us. You all gave so much to us.

I thought the blogs that I made before I came in here were forgotten. I thought
there is no miracles. But with what happened, it is truly God's own will and by
using all of you . MIRACLES are true. Kevin and I will loose hope especially now
that we know many are fighting for us to survive. I also hope that you will
continue supporting us and help us pray for our children, for us both and that
our case will soon be dismissed. Let you always join us every night to pray for
God's help and his guidance for us while we are fighting and may HE continue
giving us the strength and hope. Thanks you again and God Bless you all.
Yours
Charlene Taylor
Detainee
San Mateo Jail

This is what I want to share to you all. A prayer that keeps me going and that
reminds me God is always there
Dear God
Blessed be thy Lord God for keeping me sound and safe. I lift unto you all my
woes and grace upon me your mercy. I understand that you have better plans for
me yet I will keep on asking you to help me through.

This place I call my own which I don't intend to stay long. While my journey of
going home is still far. Keep me warm and safe from danger and to my detractors.
Cover my children with your loving heart that they will understand the
situation. Guide their young minds for them not to bitter but help them be a
better individuals. Remind me how I was chosen to have this ordeal so i will
never forget what you have promised. I raise on to you all my anxieties and
return to me your graces. Help me change for as better "me" so when the time
comes that the gate will open I can walk home with a good heart.

For whatever will happen to us both, I know someday we can be with our children.
Prepare them for everything Lord and so I am to be strong. Calm my heart when I
am lost - show me the road to your promise.

Lord God open my heart always. I will hold on to you forever, sorry as I have
failed you many times, but I promise, I am still the same child you have brought
up

Guide me when I am asleep and when I am awake remind me that you will redeem
me.
AMEN

[fred]

A message from Frank who has worked tirelessly along with others from the Yahoo group to help our fellow FilipinoUK member British_detained that stopped posting to us from the day she was locked up in San Mateo..



Dear all

I mentioned that there was a case to be heard on 21st March. This was considered
the main case out of the original 20. Well, it was heard and it has been
dismissed.

This is fantastic news

When we started the stated aims of the group was to give humanitarian aid and to
seek expeditious hearings. That has been achieved in great measure. The actions
of some from this group have made such a massive difference. And potentially
moves us very much closer to a further goal of reuniting Kevin and Charlene with
their children and families.

We are not quite out of the woods yet. There are two hearings set for later this
week but it is believed that these too will be dismissed. The final case is set
to be heard on 9 May. I don't have full details of this yet but I am told it
definitely is the final hearing and that Kevin believes it will be dismissed.

The progress made recently after so many months of inactivity in the case I
really think is the product of some efforts made privately. The family, spurred
on by the tremendous support given here on the group have been able to make head
way for the first time in 2 years.

Congratulations group and thank you all

Frank

[bornatbirth]

thats really good news

[Terpe]

That latest news posted by fred is great.
I, for one, am humbled by the efforts and compassion shown by those who have made an impact.
Let's all hope and pray that it continues to go well.

[Arthur Little]

Let's all hope and pray that it continues to go well.

... Amen to that!

[stevie c]

fantastic news

[joebloggs]

2yrs for it to be dismissed

[JimOttley]

Wonderful news Fred!

[fred]

Message from Kevin,reproduced by Frank.
Thanks Frank!


Dear all

I have recieved a letter to you all from Kevin. I have reproduced it below as
exactly:

March 30 2011
San Mateo Municipal Jail
Guitnang Bayan 1
San Mateo 1850
Rizal
Philippines

Hello Guys
Well we hope you are all doing fine, Better than us maybe haha (Joke). I thought
we should write to you guys and thank you for all the work and support you have
given to Charlene and I in the past two months. To be truthfull just before Dad
called us to say that the ex-pats have got together and were concerned about our
cases and welfare, we had given up any hope of going home from here. But you
gave us a renewed hope that we would soon be able to enjoy our marriage and
children in peace and safety. Both Charlene and I would like to thank you from
the bottom of our hearts for everything it gave us both renewed faith in the
Human race a shot in the arm just when we needed it most

Friends I can assure you, we are not Illegal recruiters, we tried to bring help
to those in the provinces who were unable to get the right documentions and all
we wanted was to live in peace and raise our young family. Anyway that was then
and this is now. And I hope that one day soon we will be able to thank you all
in person

Once again many thanks to you all and may the good Lord bring you many blessings
for the future

Forever faithfull

Kevin Taylor

[Sim11UK]

[raynaputi]

I hope the couple would soon be released..I know lots of the forum members here are waiting for their letter stating they'll be out soon..Thanks for the continuous update Fred!

[scott&ligaya]

Hi Fred, any update or did I miss it

[dontpushme]

Hey all! Sorry I've been offline for so long. I've been busy.

Anyway, since I moved back to the PI a few weeks ago, I decided to visit the San Mateo jail. Charlene, aka BritishDetained, wasn't there because she got transferred to the Marikina jail, but I got to talk to her husband.

Kevin seemed okay at the time I visited. I had to wait a couple minutes while he packed up his chess set. He had been in the middle of a chess game with an inmate whose cheese had fallen off the cracker. I wondered why Kevin played chess with a crazy person, but he didn't seem to mind. He was nice enough to give the crazy guy some cigarettes (his winnings) win or lose.

Kevin and I talked for about an hour in the tiny courtyard with all the other inmates around us. He seemed at ease, though he did say it had gotten harder since Charlene's transfer. He said that Charlene was not allowed to have any contact with anyone, presumably because of something she had done wrong.

Before I left the jail, Kevin told me that he had requested to be transferred to the Marikina jail and was expecting to be transferred that night, if things went their way. I wish I knew if he got transferred or not so I could visit. Currently, my only source of news about the couple is the Yahoo!Group, and that's been quiet lately because everyone's just been waiting for the court hearings.

[Sim11UK]

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/n...n_jail/?ref=mr

[Arthur Little]

... if I might be permitted to ask: "Whatever happened to 'Sim11UK' lately?".