DSWD may take custody of child left in parked car

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may take temporary custody of a two-year-old child left unattended by a couple in a parked car in Pasig City on Sunday.

A video of the toddler crying in a car went viral on social media. 

A man who saw the child crying helplessly in the car uploaded the video on Facebook.

DSWD Secretary Virginia Orogo said they were trying to identify the parents of the child.

Orogo said social workers would talk to the child’s parents to determine their liability for leaving their child alone in the car.

“If the parents are found at fault, we will have to take custody of the child until such time that they are serious in taking care of their baby,” Orogo said.

Reports said the parents left their child in the car parked in front of the Metrowalk commercial complex while they were drinking in a bar. The car’s engine was turned off.

“If one will pursue a case against the erring parents, one could file a case of neglect before the courts,” Orogo told GMA News.