The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), is currently investigating the case of a three-year old girl in Dasmarinas, Cavite who was abused by her stepmother.
The DSWD immediately acted upon seeing the post concerning the abused child which went viral on Facebook last Sunday. The DSWD Central Office – Community Programs and Services Bureau promptly coordinated with the Women and Children Police Desk (WCPD).
DSWD Secretary Virginia “Gee” N. Orogo reiterated that children’s rights and welfare should be protected and promoted at all times.
“Ang mga bata ay maituturing na pinaka bulnerableng sector ng lipunan na dapat alagaan, mahalin at protektahan laban sa lahat ng uri ng pang-aabuso (Children are considered as society’s most vulnerable sector, and they should be loved, nurtured, and protected from all forms of abuse),” she said.
Sec. Orogo also appealed to the public “to refrain from posting child abuse cases on social media as it only aggravates the trauma. It is better if concerned citizens directly coordinate with us by sending private messages to our Facebook and Twitter accounts.”
Based on the initial report from DSWD Field Office CALABARZON, the child is now under the custody of her paternal grandaunt, while the father per arrangement can borrow the child. The child was 6 months old when her biological parents separated.
According to the report, the physical abuse occurred at the house of the father and stepmother. The report also stated that there were previous abuses to the child, but the father denied the allegations.
The child was admitted to the hospital on August 10, and being taken care of by her paternal grandaunt.
A DSWD social worker is coordinating with the hospital’s medical director and social service staff to determine the needs of the child. DSWD will also assist the grandaunt in the payment of hospital bills.
The grandaunt already gave her sworn statement, and a case on the Violation of RA 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act shall be filed at the Prosecutors Office against the stepmother. ###
