Cops to file charges vs people behind 'for sale' babies
Cops to file charges vs people behind 'for sale' babies
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/17/2008 6:39 PM
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Police are poised to file charges against the people running a children’s home after the Department Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) found it to be operating illegally.
Reports said the Jala-jala police is set to file a case of violation of the Child and Youth Welfare Code against those behind the illegal operation of the children’s home.
Nine babies from one to nine months old were rescued from the Fox Children’s Home in Jala-jala town in Rizal province.
Although the babies were well taken care of, police still suspect that they will be sold in Singapore.
“Wala silang papeles na magpapatunay na rehistrado sila ng DSWD kwestyonable rin ang iba nilang paper,” Inspector Larry Malaybalay, Jala-jala police chief said.
Authorities found out about the foundation’s operation when it served a warrant of arrest to Voltaire Gellido, former Jala-jala mayor, for estafa. The foundation is renting Gellido’s house.
“Unfair”
Meanwhile, the foundation’s owner maintained that they have a permit to operate.
"We do have the permits. We have complete permits, the Mayor's permit and the DSWD is calling us," said the owner who declined to be identified on camera.
Even the Singaporean national whose name was dragged into the controversy was dismayed with the accusation that she is allegedly involved in human trafficking.
"I think it’s totally unfair. I donate money for food because I believe that God has given me my son. My husband and I couldn't conceive many years ago and I wanted to do something great," said Irene Low.
Authorities placed them on house arrest following the discovery of the alleged illegal operation Tuesday.
After verifying the documents presented by the foundation, the DSWD still decided to close it.
“For closure dahil wala silang lisensya. Akala nila tama iyong ginagawa nila meron naman daw social welfare na nagmo-monitor sa kanila,” said Virginia Arenasa, DSWD-Region 4A social welfare officer 3.
For his part, the foundation’s lawyer insisted that his clients are innocent.
"My clients are very innocent here,” said Atty. Hercules Cabugos.
“Same signature”
Arenasa also found other irregularities in the foundation like questionable adoption papers.
“May DVC naman siya...dead of voluntary commitment ng parents na nagpapatunay na kusa niyang sinu-surrender ang kanyang anak pero doubt lang kami sa mga witnesses kasi the same person iyong signature,” Arenasa said.
The DSWD Region 4A took custody of the babies and transferred them to a licensed non-government organization in the region.
Meanwhile, the DSWD assured the public that maximum efforts are being exerted to protect the babies rescued from the foundation.
“The DSWD condemns all forms of human trafficking activities and we will cooperate with the law enforcement and other government agencies in combating this evil,” said DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral.
In a statement, Cabral said diligent efforts will be made by the department to locate the parents of the rescued babies. Report from Sol Aragones, TV Patrol World
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/12/17/08/dswd-condemns-operation-babies-sale-jala-jala