Warning Issued by DSWD Chief: Unlawful Child Care Centers Risk Arrest and Prosecution
In a significant development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken action against the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. (NLBCMPI) following the rescue of 156 children from the facility. The church, accused of child abuse, unsanitary and unsafe conditions, and non-compliance with DSWD standards, has been shut down, and its American pastor and director, Jeremy Ferguson, was arrested on multiple criminal charges.
During a media interview on the sidelines of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) payout activity in San Fernando, Pampanga, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasised the children are not properties but are entrusted to care facilities by society and the government to be taken care of and loved. He further discussed the reintegration of children with Governor Baby Pineda.
The children removed from NLBCMPI are currently being transferred to other care facilities for their safety and well-being. One such facility is the Reception and Study Center for Children in Lubao, Pampanga, where they are provided with appropriate support for recovery. The DSWD Central Luzon regional office has already identified temporary custody centers for the children.
The DSWD is assessing the children who will eventually be reintegrated with their families. Those who need further rehabilitation will remain in DSWD facilities. The agency is also providing counseling and debriefing for the children's trauma, ensuring they receive appropriate interventions to cope with their experiences.
Gatchalian made it clear that the DSWD will catch and serve justice to those who maltreat children. He issued a warning to private child care facilities that maltreat children, stating the DSWD will continue to serve justice to those who maltreat children in private child care facilities. The agency is actively pursuing criminal cases against Ferguson and is monitoring the situation to prevent further abuses.
In a positive step, the DSWD is ensuring the return of children to their families who are capable of taking care of them. Those children who are ready for reintegration with their families will be returned. The DSWD is committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of these children, providing them with the care and support they need during this challenging time.
[1] Inquirer.net. (2021, July 1). DSWD shuts down New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga over child abuse allegations. Inquirer.net. https://www.inquirer.net/nation/dswd-shuts-down-new-life-baptist-church-in-pampanga-over-child-abuse-allegations-20210701
[2] Rappler. (2021, July 1). DSWD shuts down New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga over child abuse allegations. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/2954382-dswd-shuts-down-new-life-baptist-church-in-pampanga-over-child-abuse-allegations
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2021, July 1). DSWD shuts down New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga over child abuse allegations. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/01/21/dswd-shuts-down-new-life-baptist-church-in-pampanga-over-child-abuse-allegations
[4] Philstar.com. (2021, July 1). DSWD shuts down New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga over child abuse allegations. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/01/2134777/dswd-shuts-down-new-life-baptist-church-pampanga-over-child-abuse-allegations
[5] GMA News. (2021, July 1). DSWD shuts down New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga over child abuse allegations. GMA News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/790459/dswd-shuts-down-new-life-baptist-church-in-pampanga-over-child-abuse-allegations/story/
- The government agency, DSWD, has shut down the New Life Baptist Church in Pampanga, following accusations of child abuse and non-compliance with DSWD standards, which falls under the category of general news and crime & justice.
- In a media interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, in Manila, discussed the children's reintegration with Governor Baby Pineda, emphasizing that the DSWD is actively pursuing justice for those who maltreat children in private child care facilities, making this news relevant to politics and justice.
- The children removed from the NLBCMPI are being transferred to facilities like the Reception and Study Center for Children in Lubao, Pampanga, for their safety and well-being, showcasing the involvement of the DSWD in the care and welfare of the children, placing this in the social welfare and care sector.
