The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already provided appropriate interventions to the 14-year-old girl who was rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after allegedly eloping with her 36-year-old boyfriend in Negros Oriental.

A case was already filed against the suspect for violating Republic Act No. 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) and Article 343 (Consented Abduction) of the Revised Penal Code.

The DSWD Field Office-Negros Island Region (NIR) has already provided counselling to the minor-victim and her parents and advised them to continue to seek help from a child psychologist at the Psychosocial Interventions Clinic in Dumaguete City since it was the second time that the girl eloped with the suspect.

In addition, the regional office already referred the case to a municipal social worker for further management and case monitoring.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo expressed her concern on the sensitivity of the case. She said, “It is understandable for parents to look for the best interest of their children and to protect them from any harm. However, many teenagers nowadays think that they know better. Proper communication and balance is the key to maintain a healthy relationship between children and their parents. The parents need to know when to discipline, to express love, and to listen. Show them that you are listening to them because you want to understand what they feel.” ###