NBI raids drug rehab center in Cavite due to alleged abuse of patients

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - National Capital Region raided a rehabilitation center in Silang, Cavite over allegations its staff abused its teenaged patients. 

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, authorities noticed a locked locked iron gate in the building’s second floor. 

After opening it, a 15-year-old boy - who is believed to be a victim of illegal detention and abuse—was able to come out. An 18-year-old was also rescued.

The mother of one of the rescued patients became emotional after seeing her son. She expressed her anger towards the rehabilitation facility’s management. 

“He’s been sick for three days, but you did not give him any medicine!” the mother exclaimed. 

One of the suspects denied the allegations. 

“The boy went into rehab. They thought he already recovered and wanted to leave the facility. However, he wasn’t allowed to be released. The owner refused to release him, claiming a court order or release papers were required. After some time, the boy was being beaten. Action must be taken because the boy is already suffering and crying out for help,” said NBI-NCR regional director Jun Dongallo. 

At one point, one of the patients pointed to a staff member who he accused of abusing him. But the NBI discovered that the other patients in the center had it worse. 

“It’s shocking—it turns out it isn’t just illegal detention, but sexual abuse was also being committed,” said NBI director Melvin Matibag. 

“Under the law, this is an aggravating circumstance because the parents trusted that their children would be okay and would return to the right path. Instead, they became victims of abuse and were placed in a situation that could drive them further into drug dependency due to the trauma they experienced,” he added. 

Three were arrested, including the manager of the rehabilitation center who refused to give a comment on the matter. 

Meanwhile, the two other suspects pleaded to the complainant. 

“I’m not an employee in the rehabilitation center. I’m also a patient who is just volunteering. I’m not earning from this nor do I have a contract. I just want to help and now I’m in this situation,” one suspect emotionally said. 

“I hope you can forgive me. I did not mean to do that,” another suspect said. 

The NBI said that the suspects could face charges for serious illegal detention and sexual abuse. 

“It is serious illegal detention and sexual abuse—rape, specifically—because the victim identified those who committed the abuse against them. This happened right inside the rehab center, and it didn't just happen once. Every time it was committed constitutes a separate case. We will not only file charges against them, we will also shut down this rehab center,” said Matibag. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News