The third contingent of Fundacion Samu sent to the Philippines came to value a man who as volunteers of the NGO commented Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, working in the area (San Remigio, Cebu), had 16 subject tied to a tree and unaware of the motif.

When the team arrived to the area to assess it, this man was in the middle of the jungle with a foot trapped between two logs that allowed him to move but not be straight. The physical examination was normal and noted that he was careful as the mother would wash him and gave him water and rice.

After assessing the man named Ben, volunteers met with the family to find out why Ben’s behavior. The story told by family and behaviors Ben was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was prescribed a treatment that the NGO will provide.

He was taken to hospital where he spent the night and was discharged with medication. He is currently with his family at home that volunteers have rebuilt since it was damaged by the typhoon.

Maria Dolores Romero, SAMU psychiatrist, says that “the reason why the family was tied by ignorance and fear of the attitude that was showing Ben. In countries like the Philippines, especially in disadvantaged areas, there is no adequate mental health care and a significant lack of knowledge about mental illnesses that make people with a mental disorder are in inhuman conditions.”