The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) the country’s central and competent authority on alternative child care strongly condemns Gentle Hands Incorporated’s (GHI) continuing contempt against the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cease and Desist Order to further operate “for violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination and for failing to comply with the minimum standards for residential care facilities for children.”
GHI’s actions undermine the power, authority and mandate of the DSWD to protect children and provide refuge for individuals in distress. LEST WE FORGET, THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE DSWD IS THE LEGAL PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS UNABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES. And in this case, DSWD has the parental authority and that residential care facilities such as GHI are required to ensure children are in a safe and suitable environment.
NACC enjoins GHI to refrain from publication of false statements and wreaking havoc via social media. To say that the Government “wants to take their children at bedtime…wearing all black, with big guns…ready to knock down the door and take the kids…” is libelous and unacceptable – much more for a facility registered under Philippine laws. GHI MANAGEMENT SHOULD RATHER COOPERATE AND RESOLVE THIS MATTER PEACEFULLY.
Gentle Hands’ poor standards in providing care and nurturing the children under its supposed protection run counter to the values and objectives of a Residential Care Facility for Children and as a safe haven for those needing refuge and protection from abuse and indignity.
NACC CANNOT IN ANYWNAY TOLERATE ANY VIOLATION OF OUR LAWS- MUCH MORE IN THE GUISE OF CHILD PROTECTION AND CHILD WELFARE. WE ENJOIN GHI TO COOPERATE AND SURRENDER THE CHILDREN TO THE AUTHORITIES. DSWD AND NACC WILL ENSURE THAT THE CHILDREN OF GENTLE HANDS INCORPORATED ARE SAFE, PROTECTED AND GIVEN THE APPROPRIATE CARE THEY SO DESERVE.
Signed,
HON. JANELLA EJERCITO ESTRADA
Undersecretary
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Tg1M5FEhyCVnbofBBTh8di3vxcE3sC5xsBqTKHKXWnY5rkGWbekF72uxfUwGKWhtl&id=100064672839899&mibextid=ZbWKwL
