By Alec Go
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a cease and desist order against orphanage Gentle Hands, Inc. (GHI) following a complaint of alleged violation to a child protection law.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a Palace briefing Tuesday, May 23, that they noticed several concerns including fire safety and ventilation during their spot check on the facility over the weekend.
“The upkeep was not your most ideal, nakakalat ‘yung basura. Two, ventilation was an issue. Kasi ang nangyari dito, they overcapacitated the orphanage,” Gatchalian said.
“And the worst part of it is we saw the fire exits and they were sealed or may mga grill and that was not acceptable to us, that is a walking fire trap… And of the things that struck me, is that it’s overpopulated, kasi they are running it beyond their allowed occupancy,” he added.
The official said the orphanage’s hygiene or living standards were “not to the standards” of the DSWD, and that there were no social workers or house parents on site during the spot check.
“All they had were, if I am not mistaken, kaya ayaw ako papasukin, they only have five kasambahays, who could barely answer. But you were running a 149, so it’s a recipe for disaster,” he pointed out.
The DSWD said the cease and desist order was based on a complaint against GHI for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.
The facility will not be allowed to operate pending investigation for a maximum period of 20 days.
Gatchalian said the 149 children will be immediately transferred to the DSWD’s care facilities as they cannot be kept at the GHI due to “imminent danger findings.”
In a separate statement, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) called on the GHI to “cooperate and surrender the children to the authorities,” while assuring that the children will be safe and protected.
The NACC also enjoined the GHI to “refrain from publication of false statements and wreaking havoc via social media” by posting “libelous and unacceptable” posts on social media.
The GHI said “they have come to a compromise” and are scheduled to have a discussion with the DSWD. “We are praying to make decisions and have agreements for the best interest of the child,” it stated. – gb
