The three toddlers who were shown in a video that went viral on Facebook being  physically abused by their own mother are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after a joint rescue operation with the social workers and enforcers from the local government unit (LGU) of San Mateo, Rizal.

In the video, a woman can be seen punishing three naked young children by hitting them and thrusting a lit candle on their faces and other parts of their bodies.  The children looked evidently terrified and in pain, and the women herself was unmistakably exhibiting violent behavior directed against the children.

Immediately after receiving a report on the video becoming viral on Facebook, the DSWD lost no time in deploying a social worker, Ms. Nelia Dadulla, to validate the case and provide immediate and necessary intervention for the welfare of the children.

DSWD-Calabarzon Regional Director Annie E. Mendoza said, “Watching the videos and seeing the urgency of the case, I immediately instructed our Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) in Rizal headed by Ms.  Nelia Dadula, to go to San Mateo, Rizal.  Our team also coordinated with the LGU social workers and local police for the conduct of a rescue operation.”

“The children are now under the custody of the Department as their safety is our paramount concern,” Dir. Mendoza said.

She added that the Department is currently conducting an assessment of the mother, as well as the father of one of the children. The social worker is also gathering all pertinent information about the case.

While the video  was taken last year and was just recently  uploaded,  the DSWD is, nonetheless, gathering information if there had been other situations of abuse prior and after the recording of the video.

Dir. Mendoza shared that the mother will undergo a psychiatric evaluation which is part of the information needed in assessing her parenting capability.  The children will also be subjected to psycho-social service so that appropriate further interventions can be identified.

The Dir. also expressed its gratitude to DZRH  for immediately calling the attention of DSWD regarding the video.

“Malaking tulong na naipapaabot sa amin ang ganitong mga kaso at makakaasa kayong maagap naming aaksiyunan ang mga ganitong report (It is of great help to DSWD that cases of abuses like this are reported immediately.  We assure the public that  the Department always acts with urgency on matters like this).”

For his part, DSWD Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco said, “The Department will immediately serve those abused as per our mandate, especially, if defenseless children are involved.  DSWD always strives to uphold its objective to provide genuine, and compassionate help to those in need.”

“We appeal to the public, however, to report directly to the DSWD so that immediate actions can be taken.  The Department also has social media accounts which are accessible to the general public,” OIC Leyco added. ###