Palace takes hands-off stance on lumad children’s ‘rescue’ in Cebu


Malacañang would let the wheels of justice turn in the controversial police operation involving the alleged rescue of indigenous children at a university in Cebu City.

(Photo by Juan Carlo de Vela / MANILA BULLETIN)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the police have already filed cases against certain individuals, adding it would be prudent to let the courts decide on the matter.

"This is a police investigation. Let them do their investigation and I understand na mayroon na rin mga kasong naisampa ang mga kapulisan for illegal detention, among others, so hayaan natin umusad ang proseso ng imbestigasyon at 'yung process ng katarungan (I understand the police have filed cases for illegal detention, among others, so let the investigation and justice process take their course)," he said during a televised press briefing.  

"Antayin na lang natin kung ano sasabihin ng mga hukom natin tungkol dito sa insidenteng ito (Let's wait for the decision of the court about this incident)," he added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently filed kidnapping and child exploitation cases against several persons after allegedly recruiting and indoctrinating 19 Lumad children.The filing of charges came following a raid at the University of San Carlos retreat house in Cebu City.

The police raid came after parents of some of the children asked for the assistance of authorities.