MALAPIT NA MAG ONE MONTH SINCE NAGPA OD AKO
For almost a month now, I have been experiencing severe emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial distress due to overdue balances from several online lending applications (OLAs). I never intended to run away from my obligations or avoid paying my debts. Like many ordinary people facing financial hardship, I borrowed money during times of emergency and financial need with the intention of paying responsibly. However, because of unexpected financial difficulties and personal struggles, I became unable to meet the payment deadlines on time.
Habang tumatagal na overdue ang accounts ko, lumalala rin ang pressure at harassment na natatanggap ko mula sa collection agents. I started receiving excessive calls, threatening messages, intimidation, online harassment, public shaming, and even death threats. Some individuals even used my personal information and identity without my consent to publicly humiliate and damage my reputation online. Mas masakit pa rito, pati mga taong hindi ko naman references o contacts for collection ay tinatawagan at minemessage nila tungkol sa aking utang, causing embarrassment, stress, and damage to my personal and professional relationships.
Dahil dito, sobrang naapektuhan ang mental health, emotional well-being, trabaho, reputasyon, at araw-araw kong pamumuhay. Instead of being treated with dignity and respect, I experienced fear, anxiety, panic, sleepless nights, emotional breakdowns, and constant stress. Nakakadurog ng loob na habang pilit mong inaayos ang sarili mo at naghahanap ng paraan para makabayad, may mga taong handang sirain ka mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
Because of the seriousness of the situation, I resorted to seeking help and reporting the incidents to different government agencies, including the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and other proper authorities. I reported the harassment, cyberbullying, privacy violations, unauthorized contact of non-references, public shaming, and threats connected to the collection activities.
Based on the guidance and advice given to me, I was reminded to prioritize and protect my mental health and personal safety. Pinayuhan ako na kung sobra nang overwhelming ang harassment at threats, unahin ko muna ang basic needs, emotional stability, at safety ko habang maayos na dini-document ang lahat ng incidents. Wala rin namang assurance na kahit makabayad ka agad ay titigil na sila sa harassment, public shaming, pagtawag sa ibang tao, o death threats lalo na kung abusive na talaga ang collection practices nila.
Despite everything that happened, I remain willing to communicate respectfully and negotiate payment arrangements according to my current financial capacity. Hindi ko tinatakbuhan ang responsibilidad ko bilang borrower. I acknowledge my obligations and still intend to settle them little by little in a legal and peaceful manner. However, naniniwala ako na bawat tao, kahit may utang o financial problem, deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, privacy, and according to the law.
Sa gitna ng lahat ng stress, takot, kahihiyan, at emotional pain, kumakapit pa rin ako sa faith ko kay Lord God. Araw-araw kong pinapaalala sa sarili ko na magdasal at humingi ng gabay, protection, wisdom, at strength kay Lord dahil wala nang mas hihigit pa sa pagmamahal Niya para sa atin.
People may judge us, attack us, or try to destroy our name, pero God knows the truth. Nakikita Niya lahat ng paghihirap, pagod, at sakit na dinadala natin. Kapag sobrang overwhelming na ng lahat, I choose to surrender everything to Him and trust that He will make a way for me.
Financial problems can be solved little by little. Ang utang nababayaran. Problems will pass. Pain will heal. Pero ang peace of mind, mental health, at faith natin kay Lord, hindi natin dapat pabayaan.
Pray to God. Ask for help. Huwag mong sarilinin lahat ng bigat. Hindi ka pababayaan ni Lord. Sa panahon na pakiramdam mo mag-isa ka, Siya ang mas lalong kumakapit sa’yo.
Wala nang mas bigger pa sa pagmamahal ni Lord God sa atin.