MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a cease and desist order against the Subic Bay Children’s Home, Inc. (SBCHI) effective August 27, following reports of physical and sexual abuse, mismanagement of funds, unauthorized solicitation, and other violations.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the halt, which lasts up to 30 days, will allow a thorough investigation and enable the agency to take corrective measures, including preventive suspension and removal of staff involved in the alleged abuses.

“Ang cease and desist order natin ay magbibigay-daan para sa masusing imbestigasyon at para na rin sa mga karampatang action tulad ng preventive suspension and removal of staff alleged to have committed the abuses, as well as filing of the appropriate cases,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The Field Office 3 – Central Luzon has been directed to place the children under DSWD protective custody to ensure their safety and provide necessary intervention for their recovery.

The order also requires SBCHI staff to submit sworn undertakings ensuring the protection of children’s rights in compliance with domestic and international laws. Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that any form of abuse, even if it occurs infrequently, is taken seriously by the department.

“As part of the order, we also asked SBCHI for a written explanation over his statement in the presence of FFT members – ‘ang abuse normal at nangyayari naman sa lahat ng residential facility, pero hindi naman araw-araw nangyayari’. Nais natin i-remind lahat ng facilities na we take matters of abuse seriously, kahit minsan lang mangyari,” he added.

The DSWD also warned that stricter monitoring measures will be enforced for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) moving forward, including assessments prior to registration, licensing, and accreditation.

“The primary responsibility of the Department is to protect the Filipino public, especially those who are supposed to be benefitting from the work of the SWDAs. The allegations made against Subic Bay Children’s Home are grave, which is why we lost no time and acted with haste for the sake of the children,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

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