PREDA demands fearless, decisive action to rescue the children
06 April 2004
Thelsa P. Biolena
OIC Regional Director
DSWD Field Office IV
Alabang-Zapote Road
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Attention: Arnel B. Garcia, OIC and Director III
Dear Director Thelsa P. Biolena,
This is in response to your letter of March 23 referring to the
situation in Puerto Galera. Enclosed is my letter to Undersecretary
Lourdes Balanon whereby we are expecting the rescue of the children for
their protection and recovery and the prosecution of the negligent
parents who turned them over to the pedophile's house where they have
been trained to conduct the practice of oral sex even though they are
only eight and nine year-olds.
With regard to the children in the Bahay Tuluyan in Cavite whom we would
like to speak further with, we want to correct your comment that the
children refused to be interviewed because they opened up to our social
worker. They revealed that many other children were living with the
paedophiles and described in detail the horrific acts of abuse done to
them by the foreigners in Puerto Galera. They were willing to talk even
more if only we had the time since our social worker was not permitted
to stay any longer. We are surprised that the children who supposedly
have made their statements to the police and will testify in court are
not being helped to do so. How will they testify in court if
“
they do not want anymore
to recall their sad experience?
”
With affirmation and
support, children want to un-burden themselves and express their deepest
feelings which is a healing of emotional wounds.
We know from our visit in Puerto Galera that the mayor does not want the
children to be brought into care despite the horrific abuse done to them
because the image of sex tourism will be revealed.
Unless the DSWD takes decisive, fearless action to save the children and
bring their abusers and negligent parents to justice, the perception of
cover up of a crime will only become apparent. We point out the urgent
need for this. As Judge Lopez made clear, the DSWD is mandated to do
this.
We ask you to act without fear or favor to anyone and save those
children.
Sincerely,
Fr. Shay Cullen, mssc cc. Secretary
Corazon Soliman
Executive Director
Undersecretary Lourdes Balanon
