Davao hotline honors kid who died from stepdad’s hands

DAVAO CITY—The city government has set up a hotline to rescue abused kids, naming it after a 3-year-old boy who died in the hands of his stepfather more than two months ago.

The Kean Gabriel Hotline, named after Kean Gabriel Agustin, who died after suffering abuse from his stepfather on Aug. 24, will provide 24/7 rescue for abused children and ensure that a case similar to Gabriel’s would not be repeated.

Mayor Sara Duterte said the hotline, 0908-8184444, will receive calls from victims of child abuse and witnesses. The mayor also formed a rescue team composed of social workers, health professionals, police and paralegals to receive and respond to calls and document reports received by the hotline.

Gabriel died in their house in Matina Pangi district after his stepfather stuffed him in a sack as a punishment for supposedly being noisy. —GERMELINA LACORTE