Bello urges public to report abuses to children of OFWs through Hotline 1349

MANILA, Feb. 20 – Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III urged the public to call the DOLE Hotline 1349 to report abuses on children of OFW parents.

“I am asking the public that if they witness or suspect that a child of an OFW is being abused, they should call our Hotline 1349 so we can ensure the safety of the child,” said Bello.

Bello, citing the UNICEF’s National Baseline on the Study on Violence Against Children: Philippines, said that children left behind by OFW parents are prone to abuses.

“We have to protect these children. One way of protecting them is to report this to our Hotline 1349. We will investigate, and if necessary, rescue the child. Mahirap kasi na ang pinagtitiwalaan mo na mag-aalaga sa anak mo ay iyon pa ang mag-aabuso sa mga bata,” said Bello.

According to Bello, the reports which will be received by Hotline 1349 will be validated and investigated by DOLE, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Justice (DOJ).

He added that the DOLE Hotline 1349 is in line with the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for government agencies to ensure that queries and concerns of the public will be immediately acted upon.

The DOLE Hotline is open 24/7. (DOLE)