Child to remain in DSWD; search for family starts

The 2-year-old boy who was about to sold for P500 by a man claiming to be his father in Compostela town will stay in the care of social welfare workers.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that even if no relative steps forward to claim the child, they will not release the boy to the 38-year-old man who tried to sell him last April in order to buy liquor.

“Well, if no one claims the child, we still won’t give the child back to him. We don’t know, maybe a relative will hopefully come out and get the kid,” she said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) is still tracing the boy’s relatives.

Child and Youth Welfare Program specialist Emma Patalinghug told Cebu Daily News that they are conducting “collateral interviews” with the man who claimed to be the child’s father.

She said they will trace the address of the father, his barangay and community.

They will also try to locate the mother, if she is still living. Patalinghug said it would take a week to complete their investigation.

She said they are coordinating with police in filing the complaint against the man.

Regional DSWD-7 information officer Javyee Binghay said the child’s photo cannot be published based on the confidentiality clause of Republic Act 7610 or the Act Protecting Children from Child and Exploitation.

Patalinghug said those asking for the child should visit their office in Cebu City or contact any social worker on duty by calling 416-7646 / 283-7779 / 232-1192.

She thanked the couple who turned over the boy after he was offered for sale to them last April 15.

Magpale, chairperson of the Provincial Women’s Commision (PWC), cited a similar situation where they turned over a child to his grandmother’s custody.

“There was a case of child trafficking before. We returned the kid to the grandmother. It was a very long process that took us years to determine to whom to give the child. The grandmother personally asked us,” Magpale said.

The suspect is is facing charges of child abuse and exploitation before the Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City .

No bail was recommended for his temporary release.

. Magpale said she will extend legal aid from the province’s pool of lawyers to expedite the case.

“Even if only child abuse charges in the meantime. What’s important is the case is filed immediately,” she said.

“Plus we are going to help Compostela in tracing who the real parent of the child is and if the alleged father’s claim is true,” she said.

The boy is in the care of the DSWD-7’s Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) since the Compostela office doesn’t have adequate facilities.

“After four to five days, they will look for a government accredited facility just like what happened in the Swedish case victim,” Magpale said.

If no one claims the boy, he will be processed for declaration of abandonment and offered for adoption.

The arrested man tried to sell the child to Fernando and Adelinna Salundaga in Compostela last April 15.

Magpale said the boy will undergo psycho-intervention sessions soon.

“It is a long process, legally and psychologically. I hope a relative surfaces in the next few days. We’ll see,” she said.  Correspondents Peter L. Romanillos and Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua