Bacolod police chief orders probe on ‘abuses’ vs detained minors

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines   â€“ This city’s acting police chief has ordered an investigation into the alleged sexual molestation and physical abuse of minors held at the Social Development Center (SDC).

Senior Superintendent Edgardo Ordaniel said he made the move after receiving reports that some minors at the SDC were being allegedly maltreated and sexually molested by adult detainees in the facility, which is located in the compound of the city police.

SDC head Gina Castro, however, denied the reports.

A minor detainee complained to the Women and Children’s Complaints Desk (WCCD) of the city police last Aug. 19 that he was allegedly ganged up and beaten up by his fellow minors at the facility.

But WCCD chief Inspector Jovy Cabcaban said they did not see any hematoma on the complainant’s body, and that the minor was not sexually molested.

Cabcaban said they inspected the SDC and found out that the facility lacks personnel to watch over the minors.

Ordaniel said he would assign two police personnel at the SDC to help maintain peace and order and secure the children in conflict with the law held in the facility.

Castro though said they do not need uniformed policemen at the SDC to maintain a child-friendly atmosphere, but added that lawmen in civilian clothes would be helpful to ensure safety and security at the facility.

There are 64 minors in the SDC’s custody.

Three teams, each composed of a permanent employee and two casuals, are assigned to look after the minors, Castro said.