THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has warned the parents of minors who are caught in drug operations that they will be facing charges for neglecting their children.
“Perhaps yes [We will file criminal complaints]. We would determine the degree of neglect of the parents,” PDEA deputy director Derrick Arnold Carreon said on Monday, February 5, during a press conference at Marco Polo Davao.
Last week PDEA filed charges against the parents of minors who were rescued inside a drug den during a drug raid in Navotas for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and Presidential Decree (PD) 603 or Criminal Liability of Parents.
On January 16, during the Operation Plan “Save the Children”, which was launched at Fishport, Barangay North Boulevard, Navotas City, Carreon said 12 minors, including a girl, aged between 11 to 15, were rescued and some were ‘high’ because of illegal drug use.
They were turned over to Bahay Pag-asa.
Minors roaming around the streets are vulnerable to being used as drug courier by drug traffickers, thus the parents must ensure their children are safe inside their homes.
“Karapat-dapat lang po para yong mga magulang ma-realize na hindi pababayaan yong mga anak nila,” he added.