Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is taking legal and protective actions against a local official in Barangay Caloco, Tinambac, Camarines Sur following allegations of harassment and abuses committed by his two sons against several children.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD's intervention stemmed from a letter written by an 11-year-old student to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pleading for help regarding alleged incidents of harassment perpetrated by a barangay official and the sexual abuses committed by his two sons. President Marcos immediately instructed DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to take appropriate actions, which he did by meeting the 11-year-old child on Tuesday at the DSWD Central Office.
Both perpetrators identified in the sexual assault cases are the sons of the respondent Barangay Kagawad in Caloco in Tinambac town, Camarines Sur. One of the suspects was jailed five years ago and is currently detained at the Tinangis Penal Farm in Camarines Sur. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings for the second suspect are still in progress as the individual remains at large. Gatchalian assured the public that immediate psychosocial and legal assistance is being provided to the affected minors.
Aside from helping the abused victims, the DSWD is also extending financial aid to families seeking refuge inside the Redeemer Homeless Mission due to poverty and natural calamities. Social workers are also providing technical assistance to the NGO-owned shelter to help secure the necessary Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO).
DSWD officials and social workers visited the facility last week following a report made by the said barangay official requesting the closure of the shelter for lacking proper documents. Instead of closing the center, the DSWD's assessment team opted to guide the management in fixing the paperwork, recognizing the facility as a vital safe space for the community.
To ensure full accountability, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now investigating the said local official and others who may be involved in the incidents made against the shelter.
The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged abuse of minors. In a statement, PRO-5 chief Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said personnel from the Tinambac Municipal Police Station have implemented measures to safeguard the minor, preserve evidence, and prevent any potential tampering that could compromise the case.
Meanwhile, Tinambac Mayor Edward Albert Prades thanked President Marcos for the prompt response and assurance of protection and support for the children and families of the town. The mayor also assured the Office of the President and the public that the matters have been acted upon and are currently under proper legal and administrative processes.
