DSWD chief meets child who appealed to Marcos over CamSur shelter abuse allegations
DSWD PHOTO
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended assistance to a child from the Redeemer Homeless Mission in Camarines Sur who wrote directly to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. seeking urgent help over alleged abuses in their community.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with the minor on Wednesday, April 1, following the President’s directive to immediately address the concerns raised in the letter.
In her appeal, the child alleged that a barangay kagawad ordered the disconnection of their utility lines and took agricultural crops from the shelter.
She also reported that a child of the same local official allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted another minor.
Acting on the directive of the President, the DSWD said it would provide comprehensive support to the facility and its residents, which includes psycho-emotional counseling for the children and financial assistance to help affected families recover from disrupted livelihoods.
It also committed to assisting the alleged victim in pursuing criminal charges against the suspect, while ensuring legal and protective support throughout the process.
In addition, DSWD personnel will deploy further assistance to secure the shelter and safeguard the welfare of its residents as the case is being addressed.