The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that the girl from Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, who was abused by her mother is now safe under the custody of her paternal grandparents.

On June 23, a concerned citizen posted a Facebook video of a six-year-old girl who recounted her ordeal with her mother.

According to DSWD- Field Office Negros Island Region (NIR), the father was at work when the physical abuse happened.  It was the 14-year-old step sister who rescued the child in the video and their 4-year-old sister who apparently also suffered from abuse.  The older sibling brought her sisters to DSWD after rescuing them.

The local government unit (LGU) of Canlaon City has provided medical assistance to the abused child.

The mother was imprisoned for one day following the rescue, but was set free as the father refused to file charges against her who is suffering from stage 3 breast cancer.

Despite this, the 14-year-old sister is still contemplating on filing the appropriate charges against her step mother.

The step  mother can be charged with violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law and can face imprisonment in its maximum period and lose her parental authority as stipulated in Article VI, Section 10-C of the Act.

Meanwhile, the DSWD will continue to coordinate with the LGU in assessing the situation of the family for the possible provision of other appropriate social services.  The children will undergo counseling, while the step mother’s psychological capacity will also be assessed. ###