(Eagle News)—The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has filed charges against the parents of the minors who were rescued during anti-illegal drug operations in Navotas.
Charges for violation of Section 10 of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act as well as violation of Article 59 of the Presidential Decree No. 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code were filed against Joland Fernandez Sta. Maria, Geralyn Gulles Patalita, Nicanor Alarde Rosalijos, Emie Moreno, Daniel Bautista, Mary Ann Paraon, Cipriano Glico Moso, Arlene Cortes Salvamante, Loren Ambulo, Rowena Mendoza, Gregory Rojo, Norma Dalimit, Liza Montalban, Ronjing Montalban, Romulo Aguilar Mahinay, Rosebel Sarno Mendoza, and Jeffrey Molina Baltazar.
The filing against them came after their sons, aged 4 to 15, were rescued by PDEA agents on Jan. 16, following a surveillance that allegedly showed them engaging in illegal drug activities that include maintaining a drug den, serving as drug couriers, among others.
“Filing the appropriate charges will serve as warning to parents for their neglect and letting their child roam in the streets, making them vulnerable to be used by groups involved in drug trafficking,” PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement.
The children are now staying at Bahay Pag-Asa.
