A legislator has filed a resolution to investigate the alleged abuse of over a hundred children in a Pampanga care facility under a foreign pastor’s supervision.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, has directed an inquiry into the case of 156 children rescued in Barangay Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga, who were purportedly abused under the custody of Pastor Jeremy Keith Ferguson, who led the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga, Inc. (NLBCMPI).
“Preliminary accounts reveal that the children lived under abusive conditions, with some reportedly suffering from physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, thereby constituting acts of child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” Hontiveros wrote in a resolution.
In addition, a complaint was filed by two boys, both 12, backed by their guardians and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), accusing the pastor of having them “kneel for long periods, (feeding) them spoiled food, and depriv(ing) them of play.”
NLBCMPI was also found in violation of DSWD Registration, License to Operate and Accreditation standards. The shelter reportedly mismanaged funds and exposed children to fire hazards within its facility.
Welfare Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian issued a Cease and Desist Order against the shelter following the children’s rescue on Thursday, August 14. Moreover, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is currently preparing to deport Ferguson, an American national.
