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The City Social Welfare and development Office (CSWDO) turned over the minors to their parents after they underwent psycho-social intervention facilitated by the psychologists of the agency.
The girls, aged 15 to 17 were rescued by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the personnel from the city health office who conducted the saturation drive in various KTV bars here upon receipt of information from a tipster that these establishments were employing minor girls as waitress and entertainers.
Before the girls were finally turned over to their parents, the CSWDO personnel gave a lecture on parenting and asked the parents to take good care of their children.
CSDWO psychologist Aida Lavina reminded the parents over various responsibilities to their adolescent age children.
“The responsibility in taking care of our children is ours,” Lavina said.
Grace (not her real name) told the police that poverty forced her to engage in such work at her age.
“Mamatay mi sa gutom ug dili mi mag trabaho ug ingon ani,” (We will starve to death if we don’t work),” she said.
The girls rescued by the police in various KTV bars are from the neighboring cities of Davao and Digos. (MindaNews)