A joint team from the Philippine National Police, the Commission on Human Rights, the municipal Social Welfare Office, and barangay officials, on Friday afternoon took into their custody three minor female and one male house helpers who were allegedly manhandled by their employers in Barangay Suludpan, Bacong town, Negros Oriental.

The three minors, all 17 years old, from Bonawon, Siaton in Negros Oriental, were rescued after some relatives, and barangay officials took away the house boy, “Roel”, 28, Thursday, town police chief, Senior Insp. Leopoldo Ijan, said.

At the Bacong police station, “Roel”, who showed bruises on his body that he claimed were inflicted by his employers, said three young girls had suffered the same fate. Social workers and the police sought help from CHR investigator Jess Cañete.

The group went to the site in Suludpan at around 4 p.m. Friday and was met by the female employer. At first, the three girls claimed the bruises, welts, and scratches on their bodies were sustained during an accident, when presented to the group.

The female employer initially refused to release the girls, saying she had to call her lawyer first and inform the girls’ parents.

However, the group invoked the right to take the minors into custody after finding out that the employer allegedly violated some laws, such as employing the girls without approval of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The minors were then brought to the Bacong police station, where they underwent medical examination by the town health officer.

Ijan said the DSWD and the CHR will investigate the incident to determine any violations and charges against the suspects.

Bacong DSWD officer Mildred Academia said the girls will be transferred to an undisclosed location.

“Roel” is now with his relatives.

Cañete said his office will prepare the charges against the suspects, regardless of the outcome of further investigation involving the girls. “Roel” and his relatives have also signified their intention to file a complaint against his employers.*JFP

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