Valenzuelano Social Workers in coordination with the Valenzuela City Police and Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, rescued and saved Angel from her alleged perpetrator in Barangay Marulas, January 27. Through the smooth coordination of the City Government of Valenzuela and the Municipality of Kalibo, Angel is now back to her parents, February 19.

Originally from Kalibo, Aklan, “Angel”, not her real name, is a 12-year-old victim of physical abuse by her alleged perpetrator “Lucky,” not his real name. The child’s situation was first brought to the attention of the City Social Welfare and Development Office through a tele-coordination with a Social Worker from the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office of Kalibo on January 26. 

According to the Social Worker from Kalibo, Irene Abao, the child’s mother, Evelyn Zamora was referred to them by the Kalibo Municipal Police Station concerning the custody of her child, Angel, who was under the care of a certain individual named Lucky who is residing in Barangay Marulas. In a police report, Angel’s father Garlito Nepomuceno entrusted his then-six-year-old daughter to “Lucky” way back in 2017 with a promise that Lucky would ensure her education. However, the investigation revealed that the child had not been enrolled in school, contrary to the agreement. 

Upon receiving this report, the City Social Welfare and Development Office immediately coordinated the case with the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), and the Valenzuela City Police resulting in the successful rescue of Angel on January 27. 

On that same day, Angel was immediately brought to the Valenzuela Child Protection Center and underwent a medico-legal, interview, and assessment. During the interview, the minor revealed that she was never enrolled in a school and was assigned to various household chores. She added that if she failed to complete the chores, she would face reprimands, sometimes resulting in physical punishments. The minor also detailed all the physical mistreatment she encountered with Lucky’s father. 

The assessment of the Valenzuelano Social Worker with the case of Angel showed that she experienced physical abuse, exploitation, neglect, and educational deprivation. On January 28, she was brought to Bahay Kalinga and was given appropriate intervention that would address the trauma that the child had faced for six years. 

Presently, Angel is now with her Mother Evelyn, and was personally accompanied by the Kalibo Municipal Mayor Juris Sucro, and Social Worker Erle Sahiol who flew right away to Valenzuela City to fetch the child.

Mayor WES Gatchalian reiterated that this kind of case is not tolerated in the City and promised to continue the smooth coordination, and constant communication, and will give all the necessary assistance needed by the Kalibo LGU with the child’s case. 

On the other hand, the alleged perpetrator might face legal complaints for allegedly committing physical abuse, and exploitation in relation to Republic Act 7610, or An Act Providing For Stronger Deterrence And Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And Discrimination, And For Other Purposes. 

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