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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD suspends operations of Pampanga shelter over child abuse complaints

DSWD suspends operations of Pampanga shelter over child abuse complaints

Published Aug 14, 2025 12:18 pm
About 160 children rescued from the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. are undergoing assessment by social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office 3 (DSWD-Central Luzon) after some reported experiencing physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. Following the assessment, DSWD will provide appropriate interventions such as psychosocial support and protective services to help the children heal from their trauma and ensure their safety. (DSWD Photo)
About 160 children rescued from the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. are undergoing assessment by social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office 3 (DSWD-Central Luzon) after some reported experiencing physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. Following the assessment, DSWD will provide appropriate interventions such as psychosocial support and protective services to help the children heal from their trauma and ensure their safety. (DSWD Photo)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered the suspension of operations at the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. after receiving multiple complaints of child abuse.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, through the DSWD Field Office 3 (Central Luzon), issued a cease and desist order (CDO) on Wednesday, Aug. 13, against the shelter run by American national Pastor Jeremy Ferguson.
He said the CDO was issued under the DSWD’s authority and regulatory mandate to protect children from all forms of harm, neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
The order was served the same day Ferguson was arrested by DSWD personnel and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office’s Women and Children’s Protection Desk for alleged violations of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Gatchalian said the suspension was prompted by reports of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse of children under the facility’s care.
Other complaints include fire hazards, mismanagement of funds, and failure to comply with registration, licensing, and accreditation standards.
A total of 156 children, composed of 78 boys and 78 girls, were rescued from the facility and are now under the protective custody of the DSWD’s Reception and Study Center for Children in Lubao, Pampanga.
Gatchalian confirmed that the agency will file criminal charges against Ferguson and is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to request a hold departure order to prevent him from leaving the country during the investigation.
“We will be filing criminal cases against Pastor Ferguson based on the complaints of children who have experienced physical, verbal and psychological abuse while under his custody. We will also be requesting the Bureau of Immigration to issue a hold departure order on Mr. Ferguson to make sure that he will face his criminal cases in court,” he said.

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CEASE AND DESIST ORDER DSWD CHILD ABUSE PAMPANGA
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