Four young siblings, aged 6, 5, and 3-year-old twins, were rescued Wednesday evening after allegedly being locked inside their home in Sitio Malingin, Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu, Cebu.
The Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) intervened after a concerned neighbor reported the incident to barangay officials. According to Councilor Mark Estardo, the children had been locked in the house since 8 a.m. Wednesday. The report reached authorities by 2 p.m., prompting coordination with the CSWDO and local police.
Personnel from the barangay’s women and children protection desk communicated with the children through a small hole under the door before rescuing them at 8 p.m. The siblings were taken to the barangay hall, where they were fed and sheltered overnight.
The following morning, their 29-year-old mother arrived, explaining that she had been leaving her children locked at home for nearly two years while she worked to support them. Despite acknowledging the risks, she stated she couldn’t afford to place them in care.
By Thursday morning, both the mother and children were brought to the CSWDO for further assessment of her parenting capabilities.
