The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rescued 160 children from a care facility operated by the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. (NLBCMPI) on Thursday, August 14, following allegations of abuse and multiple violations.
The rescue operation stemmed from a complaint against Pastor Jeremy Ferguson, director of NLBCMPI. Authorities cited several infractions, including fire safety hazards, mismanagement of funds, and the lack of registration, licensing, and DSWD accreditation.
During the operation, DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon conducted assessments and documented children’s accounts with their complaints of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse within the facility.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally visited the rescued children at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), where they are now under the care of the DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon team.
Expressing disappointment over the incident, Gatchalian issued a Cease and Desist Order against the facility, directing it to halt all operations immediately.
