Police help reunite father and daughter
STA. BARBARA–Municipal authorities here intervened Wednesday afternoon to reunite a five-year old girl with her father after the latter’s mother-in-law took custody of her without the father’s consent.
The girl’s mother is reportedly working abroad.
Personnel of the Women and Protection Center of the local police led by PO3 Ela Penullar and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Wilma Coquia searched two provinces to “rescue” the girl at the request of her father.
The rescue group initially went to a house in La Union, only to find out that the girl had been taken to Mariveles, Bataan.
Upon reaching Mariveles Thursday night, the group coordinated with the local police and finally traced the girl with the help of residents.
After a long discussion, the relatives of the girl’s mother yielded to the position of Coquia that the father has the right of custody.
“We were on the road for almost three days. I am happy the child was reunited with her father,” says PO3 Harold Reniedo, a member of the rescue group.
Superintendent Eric Noble, chief of the Sta. Barbara police, said: “Let it be known that in Sta. Barbara, we know how to respect the rights of women and children.”
“Laws on women and children and the law on special protection of Children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination will be strictly observed in our town,” Noble added.—LM
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