A BUSINESSWOMAN is preparing the child abuse charges against her estranged husband, and two others, including a lawyer, for ignoring her child's request to talk to her father during the 22-hour standoff at Metro Inn Hotel in Bacolod City last week.
Catherina Cabuga, in a press briefing at the hotel on Sunday afternoon, November 25, said her camp led by lawyer Jose Max Ortiz is gathering documents for the filing of the case against Francis Rey Cabuga and his sister Patchy, and their legal counsel Erfe del Castillo.
On November 20, the couple's 11-year-old daughter, whose name was withheld, accompanied by her mother, filed a formal complaint before the Women and Children's Protection Desk against the three for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination act after the three allegedly ignored her presence when she tried to negotiate the conflict of her parents.
The conflict of the couple came after the camp of Francis Rey of Mushroom Realty Development, along with his legal counsel, del Castillo, corporate secretary Patchy, eight security guards, and two security officers allegedly forced their way to the hotel on the evening of November 19.
The alleged forced entry of her estranged husband's group prompted Catherine, corporate treasurer and shareholder of the hotel, to call for police assistance. It also resulted in a road closure and disruption of traffic.
The couple's daughter recalled that during that time, she gave a letter to her Aunt Patchy to relay it to her father, who was inside the hotel.
“I tried to talk to him (Francis Rey) but I can't go in because my tita (Patchy) was just laughing while taking a video of the scenario and won't let me in. She even passed the letter to the lawyer (Del Castillo), whom I saw crumpled the paper and placed it in her pocket without informing my Dad about it,” she said.
The supposed letter read, “I miss you Daddy. Please stop this. Let's bond together,” she said.
She also said she wanted her parents to reconcile for the sake of the family even before the recent conflict happened at the hotel.
She also appealed to her father to talk to her and her brother because she hasn't seen him for eight months now.
For his part, the couple's nine-year-old son, whose name was also withheld, said he wanted to tell his father to “stop this mess” for it disturbs his studies sometimes. He believes it will be over soon.
Both children clarified during the press briefing that nobody forced them to do the interview.
Meanwhile, Del Castillo said she even challenged Catherine to file the case as she assured her they will answer it in due time.
“Francis will file the same case to her for bringing the children to a dangerous situation,” she added. (GYM)