Barangay protection for ‘abused’ kids sought

THE Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) asked a barangay protection order (BPO) for the four children who were allegedly molested by a relative in Carcar City.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, co-chairperson of PWC, said the request was for the safety of the children who are still in their residence in Carcar City.

During last Thursday’s case conference, the technical working group of PWC,  social workers, chief of police and women’s desk of Carcar City agreed to also include the grandfather in the order.

On June 28, Magpale said the grandfather of four children will be recommended for the witness protection program of the Department of Justice.

Magpale said the grandfather was relocated to Cebu City for safekeeping after he received threats since he  sought help to stop the abuse.

Magpale denied reports that the grandfather has backed off from the case due to the threats that he received.

The children—aged 2, 7, 8 and 11—were molested allegedly by a 64-year-old male relative.

The four kids were picked up on Thursday from Carcar and were brought to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.

The four kids  underwent medical examination and are scheduled for a psychological analysis through a child care specialists.

Magpale said the 69-year-old suspect went to her office and begged not to pursue the case.

“Ang allegation sa suspect kay duna silay away sa grandfather and this could be his way of retaliation,” Magpale said.

Magpale said the children’s sworn affidavits, which were submitted to the PWC, were detailed.

Once the medical examination will be made available, PWC will file rape charges against the suspect before the Regional Trial Court.

The Carcar City government is providing P2,000 worth of food assistance to the family./CORRESPONDENT CARMEL LOISE MATUS