Belgian caught with minors faces raps

CEBU, Philippines — A 60-year-old Belgian national caught in the company of minors at the Cebu South Bus Terminal is now facing criminal complaints before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office for alleged violation of the child abuse law.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the Carbon Police Station filed the complaint against Van Dee Broek for violation of Republic Act 7610 otherwise known as the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Broek, a native of Antwerp, Belgium, was arrested on December 26 at the south bus terminal because he was found in the company of minors.

The foreigner and the minors were about to ride a bus to Moalboal, a known tourist destination, when accosted by the police.

Police Officer 2 Raymundo Amakna said the suspect failed to present documents to prove his filial relationship with the minors resulting in his arrest.

The minors were rescued and turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Dee Broek denied the accusation against him. He claimed that the families of the minors were close to him since 2008.

In fact, he had been sending money to them during the holidays. One of the fathers of the minors also vouched for the suspect.

According to the father, the suspect had been supporting his children financially and even helped him build their house. (FREEMAN)