Court returns cult children to parents

CEBU CITY — The city government suffered the other day a stinging setback in its bid to place 14 children of "Salva Me" cult members under the protective custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development when the court instead ordered them returned to their parents.

The city "rescued" the children from the cult’s mountain hideout in Barangay Buhisan last Jan. 20, hoping to free them from potential harm from continuous exposure to cult practices and provide them opportunities to lead a normal life.

But Family Court Judge Pampio Abarintos ruled that the children should be allowed to continue living with their parents on condition that they undergo medical examinations and are enrolled in school.

"Do not neglect your children. Your children are not your personal property. If your beliefs interfere with their rights to live normal lives, the government is certain to intervene," Abarintos told the children’s parents in Cebuano.

Abarintos directed the DSWD though to continue monitoring the condition of the children once they return to the cult’s hideout. He warned the parents that the court itself will make periodic surprise visits to check on the children. — Freeman News Service