155 MINORS RESCUED FROM PAMPANGA CARE FACILITY, AMERICAN PASTOR ARRESTED

BY KEVIN GALANG

ONE hundred fifty-five minors on Wednesday were rescued while an American pastor was arrested in Mexico, Pampanga.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones  Jr., Pampanga police director Col. Eugene M. Marcelo  said among those saved were “Just” and “Gab,” both minors.

American pastor alias “Ferry,” 48, was arrested by the authorities.

Alias “Ferry” is the founder of the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. located in Bgy. Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga.

The operation was based on a cease and desist order issued against the church following reports of alleged abuses.

When interviewed by social workers of Maimpis in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the rescued victims said they suffered physical abuses, deprived  of food, and confined inside their room. 

Personnel of the Regional Social Welfare and Development Office (RSWDO) and the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) immediately launched an operation after receiving reports of alleged abuses.

The minors, who were all found inside the church compound, are under the custody of the RSWDO Reception Study Center for Children in Pampanga.

The rescued minors are now undergoing counseling and assistance.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act are being readied for filing in court against the arrested American pastor.