Authorities Rescued 160 Children from Religious Care Facility in Pampanga
The authorities successfully rescued a total of 160 children from a religious care facility in Mexico, Pampanga.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 3 – Central Luzon together with the Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office carried out the operation.
The children were under the care of the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc., led by Pastor Jeremy Ferguson. According to the DSWD, the situation inside the facility was far from safe or healthy.
The compound’s gate was surrounded by barbed wire, the sleeping areas were overcrowded, the toilets were filthy, and several fire hazards posed serious risks.
Investigators also found issues with the facility’s funds and learned that it had problems with registration, operating license, and accreditation. Even more alarming were reports that the children had suffered from physical, verbal, and psychological abuse while in the facility’s care.
Because of these findings, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Regional Director Venus Rebuldela issued a Cease and Desist Order to immediately stop the operations of the care center.
The rescued children are now under the care of the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), where they have been given a safe environment and proper attention. Social workers are conducting thorough assessments to understand their needs and provide appropriate support.
Authorities also confirmed the arrest of the pastor and the director of the facility. The DSWD assured the public that the children will receive continuous care, protection, and rehabilitation to help them recover from the ordeal and start a new chapter in a safer environment.
Here is the full post:
“160 NA BATANG INABUSO, NASA PANGANGALAGA NA NG DSWD
Hindi namin lubos maisip ang lahat ng mga pinagdaanan ng mga batang ating ni-rescue mula sa isang care facility sa Mexico, Pampanga.
Ang care facility na mas kilala bilang New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. (NLBCMPI) ay inirereklamo ng mga bata dahil sa iba’t-ibang uri ng pangaabuso na kanilang nararanasan.
Pinatigil na natin ang operasyon nito, at tinitiyak ng ating ahensya na wala nang mapapahamak pa dito.”
In a previous report, 4 young children rescued after being locked inside their home
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
