The Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) of Sagay City has taken custody of the 15-year old boy who allegedly raped his two-year old niece last week, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office Negros Island Region (DSWD-FO NIR) which is providing technical assistance to the LSWDO in handling the case.

He was taken to the Sagay City Youth Development Home for Children in Conflict with the Law where he will undergo rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the LSWDO  conducted family counselling with the parents of the two-year old girl.  The LSWDO will also cover the medical needs of the child.

At present,  the LSWDO is also assisting the family of the girl in securing documents needed ​for  filing of the case against the suspect​. The case will be filed​ in court after the medico legal report has been​ released today, July 27.

The DSWD-FO NIR will continue to coordinate with the LSWDO in monitoring the situation of the children involved in the case, including tracing the parents of the suspect and assessing the condition of the girl’s family for provision of other appropriate intervention and assistance.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo was alarmed that abuse on children remains unabated.

She said that she will ask all the 17 DSWD-Field Offices to intensify preventive services and to strengthen the role of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children to curb this social ill affecting children.

She also advised parents to be more circumspect on the safety of their children.

“Huwag po nating ipagkakatiwala ang ating mga anak sa kahit kaninuman. Responsibilidad po natin na sila ay pangalangaan. Magandang iwanan sila sa isang day care center o child minding center kung talagang di maiwasang mawaglit sila sa ating paningin (Let us not entrust our children to other people. We, as parents, have the sole responsibility to take care of them. It would be best to entrust them to a day care center or child minding facility if needed),” Sec. Taguiwalo urged parents.  ###