15-year-old girl rescued from 19-year-old construction worker in Taguig
The suspect arrested in Taguig construction site (Photo courtesy of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW))
A 15-year-old girl was successfully rescued by the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) from a 19-year-old construction worker during a joint operation with the police at a construction site in Taguig City.
According to Director Dela Fuente, barangay officials from Sta. Mesa, Manila, sought assistance from their office after the parents of the minor reported that their daughter had been taken by a 19-year-old man, believed to be her boyfriend, and brought to a construction site in Taguig.
Following the complaint, the MDSW immediately launched a rescue operation in line with the “Bilis-Kilos” initiative of Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.
Director Dela Fuente promptly convened the MDSW Rescue Team to respond to the case.
Before entering the construction site, the team coordinated with the Taguig City Police Station to secure police assistance for a safe and orderly rescue operation.
They also communicated with the barangay that has jurisdiction over the area.
Once inside the site, the MDSW and police found the 15-year-old girl along with the 19-year-old construction worker.
Initial findings revealed that the minor may have been easily influenced into the relationship due to her young age and lack of maturity, which authorities said an apparent violation of laws protecting minors in the Philippines.
The 19-year-old man was arrested and brought to the Taguig City Police Station for inquest proceedings and will face the appropriate charges.
Director Dela Fuente confirmed that the rescued girl has been safely returned to the custody of her parents.
The child and her parents will undergo stress debriefing and intervention.
The parents and barangay officials expressed their deep gratitude for the swift and effective “Bilis-Kilos” response of Director Dela Fuente and the MDSW Rescue Team.