CHR to probe charges of child abuse vs QC orphanage

CHR to probe charges of child abuse vs QC orphanage

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it will conduct its own probe on child abuse allegations against Gentle Hands Incorporated (GHI), an orphanage in Quezon City.

In a statement, the CHR said it will also look into reports that armed policemen were dispatched during a rescue operation that frightened and distressed the children.

The CHR said the rescue operation was ordered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after the latter issued a cease- and-desist order (CDO) against GHI last May 22.

The CDO was issued after the DSWD found that GHI violated Republic Act No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination, it said.

DSWD Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian had said the orphanage failed to comply with the minimum standards required in operating residential facilities for children. During their visit to the orphanage, Gatchalian personally saw that “garbage was all over the place” and “ventilation was an issue.”

While the orphanage was built for 80 children, GHI has been operating it with 149 children. The worst violation Gatchalian saw was that the fire exits “were sealed or had grills.”

Pursuant to its mandate as Ombud for Children, the CHR — through its Investigation Office and National Capital Region (NCR) Office — already dispatched a Quick Response Operation team to GHI.

On armed policemen during the rescue of children, the CHR said: “While we affirm that the serious concerns raised must be acted upon expeditiously, we also stress that it must be dealt with in a manner that is conscious and sensitive to the needs of the children.”

“We note that DSWD and GHI have both agreed to hold the implementation of the CDO. A dialogue was also held between them on May 23 to resolve the matter, with CHR lawyers and special investigators present. CHR, nonetheless, will still closely monitor the progress of this case and the situation of the children,” it stressed.

At the same time, the CHR urged government officials to conduct investigation and intervention processes with great empathy, since this will help minimize the risk of further trauma and harm to the children.

“It is only through supportive and encouraging means can we gather accurate and credible information from children, which are necessary in attaining justice,” it said.