DSWD takes custody of 14 Lumad children rescued in Davao del Norte

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  announced on Tuesday that it has taken custody of the 14 Lumad children rescued in Talaingod, Davao del Norte last week.

"During situations like this, the safety of the children is our paramount concern. Rest assured that we will continue to provide them with the necessary services and interventions while their case is being processed,” DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista said.

The twelve girls and two boys are being temporarily sheltered in respective residential care facilities in Davao City and Tagum City where they are being provided with psychosocial interventions such as counseling, art therapy, and journal writing

These minors were originally from Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Cotabato Province, Zamboanga del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat.

According to DSWD, they were all enrolled in a community learning center in Talaingod town prior to the rescue.

On Thursday, Former Bayan Muna party-list Representative Satur Ocampo, ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro and 17 others were charged with trafficking and for allegedly holding minors during their solidarity mission in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte on Wednesday night.

Ocampo insisted that the children were being rescued by their team after their school was allegedly forcibly closed by the military for suspected New People's Army infiltration.

He claimed that some students who were not originally from the town were left with no choice but to stay in the streets, that's why the rescue mission ensued.

Ocampo said the parents of the minors have given their consent, although according to police, the group has failed to present documents of parental consent during the time of arrest.

Philippine National Police (PNP)  chief Director General Oscar Albayalde previously claimed that the Lumad school where the rescued children came from teaches "different" materials and national anthem.

Ocampo said the allegation was baseless.

He and 17 others were released on Saturday after posting bail of P80,000 each. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA news