CEBU, Philippines - After almost two months of staying in Cebu, away from her family, the controversial “Beautiful Girl” is finally leaving for her hometown in Leyte but will still be housed in another facility for children in conflict with the law.
Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who co-chairs the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children, said they have decided to send the minor to Leyte despite the absence of the request from the parents.
“We already did the best we could. The time has come that we just have to turn her over to another center,” she told reporters.
The minor has been housed in a shelter accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for more than a month now after she was charged with estafa in December last year for allegedly not paying her three-day accommodation in a resort in Asturias and salon services in Cebu City.
Magpale said the minor was supposed to be brought to Leyte yesterday but is waiting for the feedback from the social welfare of Sogod.
Rose Jao, assistant head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said they are still making an arrangement with the social worker in Sogod town in Leyte since the town has no facility to house the minor.
Magpale said they are eyeing as another option the facility in Tacloban City where the minor can undergo a diversion program.
“Kami, we are not discussing anymore the case. Gi-advisan na mi sa fiscal to talk about the diversion programs na lang and what to do with her,” she added.
Magpale said the parents, as well as non-government organization-run facilities, refused to take custody of the girl.
“Way parents mi-ari. Ang stepfather said categorically nga ‘no’. The mother is sick,” Magpale said, adding that the girl’s case is now difficult to handle and that she has committed violations inside the facility.
Magpale, however, refused to divulge the violations but cited, as example, the incident that transpired two weeks ago in which the girl allegedly tried to commit suicide.— (FREEMAN)