'Maltreated' boy rescued by MPG

A nine-year-old boy who has accused his stepfather of maltreating him was rescued by the elements of Mobile Patrol Group near a mall in the downtown area yesterday morning.

The boy, who was walking with a chain around his neck, was spotted by PO2 Rino Torrefranca after concerned residents in the area reported to the MPG that they noticed him walking at the vicinity of the downtown mall.

The boy was then turned over by the MPG operatives to the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

During the interview, the boy said that he left their house since last week because of the maltreatment he received from his stepfather whom he identified as Jerry Sabandal.

He said his stepfather would always maltreat him whenever he arrives home late. "Nasuko siya nako nga dugay nauli mao 'to nga iya ko nga gisulod sa sako," the boy said.

Sabandal allegedly put a chain around the boy's neck and placed him inside a sack. The boy said he managed to escape last week and stay at the premises of the mall.

MPG operatives are now looking for Sabandal for questioning. - Jose P. Sollano