PDEA to sue parents of 12 ‘drug den’ minors
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will file criminal charges against the parents of the 12 minors who were among the 28 people caught in three shanties reportedly used as drug dens in Navotas City, an official said yesterday.
According to PDEA chief Aaron Aquino, the parents should be held liable for neglect in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the anti-child abuse law.
“Child neglect is the simplest form of child abuse. Parents or guardians are answerable if they are unable to protect their children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination, or worse, they are the ones committing such acts,” he said in a statement.
If found guilty, they will suffer the penalty of prison mayor or imprisonment of six years and one day to eight years.
Instead of being exposed to illegal drugs, Aquino stressed the children should have remained at home under their parents’ care.
Citing surveillance footage, Aquino said the minors – who ranged in age from four to 15 years old – were used as either runners, pushers or drug den maintainers.
Some of the children facilitated or took part in drug sessions in the shanties, he added.
Forty-four sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and assorted drug paraphernalia were seized in the operation.
The PDEA earlier received flak after photos surfaced online showing the children lined up against a wall, their hands covering their faces.
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