“Dati nung wala pang CAPIN (Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network), malaki na problema namin sa child abuse cases. Immediately after magkaroon, biglang dumami lalo. Pero normal lang yun.”(Before CAPIN, child abuse cases were a big problem. Immediately after we established it, the figures bloated. That’s normal.)
“Normal” would not be the appropriate term for it if one did not know the whole story, but Ms. Lucille De Leon, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, was quick to move on to the next sentence:
“Normal kasi biglang naging aware sila na may masusumbungan. Kaya dumami. Ngayon kumonti na kasi takot na silang gumawa ng mali sa mga bata. May masusumbungan na, alam na nila na may nagbabantay.” (It’s normal because there was a sudden awareness among the community that there was a place to report cases to. That’s why the figures increased. The number of cases now is not as high as before because they’re afraid to abuse these children. They’re aware that there’s a watchdog now.)
A typical Child Protection Unit (CPU) would have a children’s desk for each barangay, municipality or city. Once the cases come in from the barangay level, they are brought to the MWSDO. Children in conflict with the law (CICL) often receive family therapy sessions with their parents or guardians. Recidivists often receive social work as a form of sentence. Tasks like sweeping the barangay grounds make a mark on their young lives. In extreme cases of CICL, children are immediately brought to the holding center.
Out of school youth (OSY) have the option of going into an alternative learning session (ALS) or integrate themselves into the public school. Child abuse cases receive the same treatment from the barangay to the CPU, wherein the parents receive group therapy sessions with the children. They are also educated on the rights of the child.
For sexual abuse cases coming in from the barangay, they are immediately brought to a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) composed of a doctor, a psychologist, and the MWSDO. Reports are kept classified in a separate log book, and secrecy is assured. This is to ensure that the child would only retell the story once – to prevent the trauma of revisiting the experience – and that immediate medical attention would be given.
A Child’s Rehabilitation
One remarkable case is that of a child who, for security purposes we shall name Jun. Jun was recruited by a drug pusher to be a courier to transport drugs and money from him and potential buyers. When Jun was caught, he was found carrying an enormous amount of money. He was immediately brought to the holding center. A few nights after, the gang he worked for found out that he was held at the center. Requests for additional security were permitted as there was one incident of attack.
Baths were also a security risk for the social workers on duty. He would grab a sharp object and attempt to stab anybody who came close to him. He cussed, screamed, punched, and kicked. Physical force was necessary.
Months after his stay, he is now a rehabilitated boy. He has a fascination with a camera which he brings everywhere. He now knows how to say “po” and “opo” (respectful ways of addressing Filipino elders). He is an affectionate sweetheart that offers a hug and a mano (a Filipino gesture to show respect to those older than one’s self). He tours people around the facility and introduces them to the center’s pet dog.
On their spare time, children tend to the small plot of land beside their shared house where they plant vegetables that they can harvest and cook. Other times are spent playing and socializing with the social workers who go on duty 24 hours a day.
Among Jun’s peers are fellow CICL- one youth even has a frustrated murder case in his background. Like all other detention centers, there are attempts to escape. Some manage to escape, but the children end up surrendering themselves to the social workers because there, they have a home.
When asked about the processes and techniques of rehabilitation, the social workers and youth volunteers clearly mention that it is holistic. The children are given attention, socialization, and care. Their needs are met, and they are given a childhood.
Full Support
The CPU of Sta. Cruz, Laguna is one of the newest CAPIN areas in Laguna. Understaffed, with a physical office more cramped than other CAPIN areas, it has a success story that other areas would envy.It has the full support of the mayor in terms of funding. In fact, they have a specific slot in the annual budget for their projects. In addition, it is the only CAPIN area to have its own holding center that they treat as a rehabilitation center. It is the humble space beside Bagumbayan Elementary School that houses a day care center and a house for children undergoing rehabilitation.
At the moment, their immediate need is for additional social workers who are able to go on duty at the center. Security response from the police is already sufficient, but communication needs improvement. Yet despite these circumstances, the CAPIN of Sta. Cruz, Laguna proves to work in fine tune because of the people and support behind the office.
Pauline is a student and teacher of politics, philosophy, and society. She has a special place in her heart for children, animals, and the environment. She thinks she is awkward by nature, but is actually awesome.