Following the rescue of more than 160 children allegedly abused in an orphanage in Mexico, Pampanga, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 77 on August 18, urging a probe into child maltreatment cases and a review of existing child protection policies.
Hontiveros’ resolution directs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality to investigate the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico Pampanga, Inc. (NLBCMPI) and other childcare institutions nationwide facing allegations or reports of abuse.
During an initial monitoring visit by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from August 10–12, children housed at NLBCMPI reportedly disclosed multiple accounts of maltreatment by “house parents” and operator Pastor Jeremy Keith Ferguson.
This led to a rescue operation on August 13, during which approximately 156 children were removed from the facility and placed under protective custody at a regional center in Lubao, Pampanga.
“Children were made to kneel in gravel or salt, they were tied using heavy chains, they were whipped using sticks and pipes, and they were starved,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said during the August 18 plenary session, echoing testimonies provided by the victims.
A 30-day cease-and-desist order was also issued against the childcare facility following reports of “physical abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, presence of fire hazards, mismanagement of funds, improper case management, and non-compliance with the agency’s registration, license to operate, and accreditation standards.”
According to Hontiveros’ resolution, the incident “underscores the necessity of a comprehensive review of accreditation, monitoring, and regulation mechanisms” to prevent similar abuses in childcare institutions.
“The objective is for these facilities to function responsibly and under stringent regulations that will prevent future abuses from being committed,” the senator emphasized.
American national Pastor Ferguson was arrested on two counts of violating Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. His deportation case will be processed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following his inclusion in the country’s immigration watchlist, preventing him from leaving the Philippines during the investigation.
Meanwhile, Ferguson and his NLBMCPI colleagues have denied the allegations.
According to Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church Pastor Reuben Abante, the complaints received by the DSWD came from newly admitted children referred to as the “Rugby Boys,” while the rest of the residents initially refused to comply with the DSWD personnel.
