Child Care Center: Probe into maltreament allegations extended

CEBU, Philippines - The special team created to investigate the alleged maltreatment at a child care facility in Cebu City asked for more time in its investigation to ensure an impartial and thorough inquiry, said Emma Patalinghug, head of the Protective Services Unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7.

DSWD created the fact-finding committee composed of three members after five minors who were rescued from the facility managed by a non-government organization accused the facility of maltreatment.

Patalinghug said that because an inquiry is supposed to run for 10 days only, the investigation was supposed to end last week of September, but the team's request for extension was granted.

"The fact-finding investigation is still ongoing. For now, there are no results from the investigation yet," said Patalinghug.

The child care facility is registered with DSWD-7.

During the course of the investigation, other concerned units like the Department of Social Welfare and Servi-ces and the Cebu City police force were invited to participate since their personnel were the ones who rescued the five minors.

Patalinghug said official communication has been sent to the facility management this week. The management has been given five days to respond.

DSWD is not naming the facility just yet as investigation is ongoing.

She said this is the only case DSWD is dealing with this year that involves a facility registered with the agency.

Patalinghug said there are at least 108 NGO-run child caring facilities in Cebu province, which, she said, must adhere to child protection policies. (FREEMAN)