Hontiveros files reso seeking probe on alleged abuse in Pampanga orphanage

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the alleged child abuse cases in an orphanage located in Mexico, Pampanga.

Under Senate Resolution 77, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is directed to conduct an inquiry into the alleged maltreatment of children in an orphanage, where an American pastor served as director.

The Senate inquiry would also look into the abuses committed in other orphanages and childcare facilities.

The resolution stated that the Senate inquiry aims to strengthen child protection laws and improve regulations and monitoring of public and private child-caring institutions.

“The reported incident underscores the necessity of a comprehensive review of accreditation, monitoring, and regulation mechanisms for public and private institutions that assume custody of minors to prevent similar abuses from recurring,” the resolution read.

Last week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rescued about 160 children alleged to have been maltreated in the orphanage.

This alleged maltreatment includes children being restrained, starved, and locked in a bathroom.

The pastor is facing charges for violation of the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will also conduct deportation proceedings against him.

Meanwhile, DSWD has issued a cease and desist order against the orphanage.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the orphanage’s registration could be revoked and blacklisted from the list of social welfare and development facilities if it did not abide by the agency’s recommendation for improvement. — BAP, GMA Integrated News