DSWD: OFW mom may lose custody of daughter abused by grandma

MANILA, Philippines - The Hong Kong-based mother of the girl who was beaten up by her own grandmother might lose parental rights over her daughter, according to an officer from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Cavite Social Welfare officer Melinda Garcia said on Thursday that they would temporarily care for "Ara" (not her real name), 7, until the mother returns to the country. According to Garcia, they would question the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) upon her return to the country to find out if she had neglected her daughter. “Kung ganito ang sitwasyon, parang nawawala ang parental capability ng Nanay. Pwede siyang alisan ng karapatan bilang nanay (In situations like this, it seems like the mother loses parental capability. Her right as a mother might be taken away from her)," Garcia told told GMA News’ reporter Cesar Apolinario. Ara was in critical condition when an aunt rushed her to the Rosario Maternity and Emergency Medical Clinic earlier this week. She was transferred to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) to receive further treatment. Doctors said it would take a month for Ara to recover from her injuries in the hospital. The girl would also undergo psychiatric therapy for six months. On Wednesday, police investigators from the women and children's protection desk in Cavite said the girl sustained burns from an electric iron, and bruises from being hammered on the fingers and toes. She also had scratches in her genitals, allegedly due to pinching by her grandmother. In her the defense, Susan Librim, 50, said she just lost her temper and didn't mean to hurt her granddaughter. "Aminado ako na nasaktan ko ‘yung bata kasi parang punong-puno na po ako e. 'Yung lahat ng problema sa akin iniiwan (I admit I hurt my granddaughter. I just got fed up. All the problems were left to me)," the grandmother said. The police said charges of violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act will be filed against Librim. The law was enacted in 1992 amid reports of growing incidents of child abuse in the country. Meanwhile, doctors at the GABMMC prepared a belated birthday party for Ara on Thursday, July 24. According to the report, Ara said she always wanted to celebrate her 7th birthday last July 6 but was unable to do so due to financial constraints. For her post-birthday wish, Ara said she wanted nothing more but to heal from her wounds. "Sana po gumaling na po ako ( I hope to get well soon)," Ara said. - GMANews.TV