ANGELES CITY – The city government here, under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., on December 13, 2023 facilitated the return of an abused minor to her family in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
‘Marian’ (not her real name), 4 years old, was rescued in Barangay Malabanias from the live-in partner of her aunt who allegedly sexually abused her.
Upon the instruction of Mayor Lazatin, Angeles City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Edna Duaso, and CSWDO Social Welfare Officer II Ana Rose Lansang, who has been in the protective custody of CSWDO for two months, to be reunited with her grandmother in Negros Occidental.
They were joined by Himamaylan City Social Welfare and Development Office SWO II Yvonne Fortunado during Marian’s return to her home.
Marian’s grandmother is the nearest of her kin since her biological mother died two years ago, while her father is currently detained at the Angeles City Jail.
The Violence Against Women and Children Desk of Barangay Malabanias referred the case of Marian to CSWDO, where Mayor Lazatin immediately ordered the filing of charges against the alleged sex offender.
This is after the medico legal results of Marian, done at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center, showed that she has vaginal lacerations.
“We will not tolerate such wrongdoings in our city,” Mayor Lazatin asserted.
After the case was filed against the live-in partner of Marian’s aunt, the CSWDO referred her to the DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Lubao town for long-term residential care since the Home for Girls in Angeles City is just a temporary shelter facility for abused children.
The Angeles CSWDO and RSCC found the other relatives of Marian in Negros and a Parenting Capability and Assessment Report was conducted by the Himamaylan CSWDO, which showed that her grandmother has the capacity to support and provide the needs of Marian and protect the minor and take her into custody.
“Kapakanan ng kabataan at kinabukasan ng Siyudad Angeles ang manganganib sa ganitong klaseng krimen,” Mayor Lazatin furthered.
Mayor Lazatin wants to prioritize the safety and welfare of Angeleños and individuals living in Angeles, ensuring that no one will be violated in the city.
“Hangad ng city government na mapabuti ang kalagayan at kapakanan ng lahat ng naninirahan sa siyudad. Kaya naman pinapaigting natin ang pagbabantay sa mga ganitong klaseng mga tao na walang magandang naidudulot sa kapwa,” Lazatin said.
