The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently assessing the best alternative family care for the children who were physically abused by their father in Cupang, Muntinlupa.

The case became viral when a video was uploaded on social media, showing the father, Rolando San Juan, hitting one of his children.

After the video became viral, the DSWD coordinated with the Muntinlupa City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) which immediately responded and took the two children under their custody.  

The children are now with Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP), a center managed by the Local Government of Muntinlupa. They also went through an initial psycho-social assessment and counselling at the Philippine General Hospital.

Rolando was arrested and is now detained at the police station.  He will be referred to a rehabilitation center for drug dependents. 

Meanwhile, DSWD is coordinating with the CSWDO to locate the whereabouts of the mother.

“Patuloy kaming nakikipagtulungan sa CSWDO para sa paghahanap ng nanay ng bata.  Isasailalim din natin siya sa counseling at assessment upang malaman kung may kakayahan siyang alagaan ang kanyang mga anak (We are currently working with the CSWDO to trace the whereabouts of the mother.  We will conduct counseling sessions with the mother to assess her capacity in caring for her children),” DSWD-National Capital Region Director Alicia R. Bonoan said.

Director Bonoan added, “We are also considering alternative family care options for the children, like foster care or adoption. Children who are victim-survivors of abuse will need one-on-one care.”

Director Bonoan added that the future of the children is the paramount consideration of the Department.  She said that extensive psycho-social intervention should be provided to the children to ensure that they will recover from their traumatic experience. ###