The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10–Northern Mindanao has taken custody of 17 senior citizens and persons with disabilities who were rescued from an unregistered care facility in the town of Maramag, Bukidnon.
The rescue operation took place on October 11.
According to Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo Marquez, aside from lacking proper registration, residents of the facility were found in difficult and hazardous conditions.
The facility also violated standards on proper restrooms, sleeping quarters, and overall safety requirements.
The rescued senior citizens and PWDs are now under the temporary care of the DSWD, while some have already been transferred to local residential centers that can provide better care.
Marquez emphasized that the law requires all such facilities to be registered and licensed by the DSWD.
He said the purpose of the law is to ensure the quality of services provided by institutions caring for these individuals.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DSWD)
