The head of the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. in Negros Oriental has expressed disappointment over the seeming laxity of authorities in Dumaguete in the custody of victims of perceived illegal recruitment.
Romualdo Señeris III, who heads the Visayan Forum here, confirmed that two minors from Zamboanga City, intercepted last week as they were en route to Manila, managed to escape from Casa Esperanza in barangay Bantayan.
Casa Esperanza is a facility of the city government that provides temporary shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse.
According to Señeris, he was informed of the “escape” of the two minors days after they were intercepted on Dec. 15 at the Dumaguete port, along with their alleged recruiter.
Señeris disclosed that two minor females and the alleged illegal recruiter were bound for Manila from Zamboanga on a passenger ferry that had called on the port of Dumaguete.
The three were “stranded” because of storm Nona, which prevented the ferry from leaving the city port that day, said Señeris.
He further disclosed that the three left the port area, and were intercepted by a blue guard of the Lockheed Security Agency detailed with the Philippine Ports Authority police as they made their way back in to the port.
The “illegal recruiter” was brought to the city police station while the two young women were processed by the Department of Labor & Employment, the Philippine National Police Women and Children’s Concerns Desk, and other related agencies, Señeris added.
After proper documentation, the minors were turned over to the City Social Welfare Office who brought them to the Casa Esperanza for temporary holding until their return to Zamboanga was facilitated.
But the minors “escaped” from the Casa Esperanza afterwards, Señeris added.
He said he has informed the proper authorities and the Visayan Forum in Zamboanga regarding the “disappearance” of the girls.
Señeris said he hopes that authorities will look into the details surrounding the supposed escape of the minors, and that security will be tightened at the temporary shelter.
City Social Welfare Officer Carola Alquero could not be reached for comment late Tuesday. (PNA)
