More than a month after photos showing him being manhandled by his uncle, Daniel Villanueva, were posted on Facebook, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to monitor the situation of the baby, assured Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman.

The photos caused an uproar among concerned citizens.

Secretary Soliman said that the DSWD, through its regional office in Region 3 immediately conducted a home visit and assessment of the baby boy’s situation in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Botolan, Zambales.

To prevent further incidents of abuse, the baby’s mother,  agreed to take her child away from her brother.  An investigation conducted by the DSWD revealed that prior to the incident the mother was not living with the baby boy because she works and lives in another area.

“The child now lives with his mother and grandmother in another municipality,” Secretary Soliman added.

Further, “an order has already been issued that, for a period of one year, the perpetrator will not be allowed to enter the house where the child is staying. The mother and grandmother were made aware that if the uncle is allowed near the child, the DSWD will have grounds to take custody of the child,” Secretary Soliman explained.

Secretary Soliman added that the DSWD will provide financial assistance to mother and child.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately inform concerned authorities about incidents of child abuse in their communities. Maximize social media networks,” the Secretary stated. ###