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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Remulla welcomes court conviction of Rep Castro, Ocampo of child abuse, exploitation

Remulla welcomes court conviction of Rep Castro, Ocampo of child abuse, exploitation

Published Jul 15, 2024 07:43 am

By JEFFREY DAMICOG

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Monday, July 15, welcomed a trial court decision that convicted ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro and former Bayan Muna Party-List congressman Satur Ocampo of violations of Republic Act (RA) 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Branch 2 of the Tagum City regional trial court (RTC) has convicted Castro, Ocampo and 11 others in the cases of 14 Lumad children who were exposed to danger in 2018. 

The DOJ said that those convicted by the RTC asked the 14 children to travel on foot without the consent of their parents along a dangerous road where firefights have taken place between government forces and members of the New People’s Army.

Castro, Ocampo and the 11 other accused, the DOJ said, were were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from four to six years and were also ordered to collectively pay P10,000 for civil indemnity and P10,000 for moral damages to each of the 14 minor victims.

However, the DOJ did not give other details on the decision of the trial court. A copy of the decision was not immediately available.

“This ruling underscores the commitment of our judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of our most vulnerable citizens, especially children,” Remulla said. 

“We urge all parties involved to respect the court's decision and the due process that has been followed,” he said. 

“Any attempt to undermine public trust in our judicial process through inappropriate statements or actions will not be tolerated,” he also said. 

Castro and Ocampo have already issued a statement calling the trial court ruling a “wrongful conviction.”

Remulla said: “While the accused may pursue appeals or other legal actions, it is imperative that these efforts remain within the bounds of decency and propriety."

“We must respect our courts, our legal system, and the law itself,” he added. 

 

 

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