Protect the victims, not the culprits DSWD chief ask Quiboloy defenders

Social welfare secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday lashed out at public figures who have taken the position to champion the cause of certain individuals accused of committing "horrific acts or align themselves with those accused of such egregious crimes."

In a statement, Gatchalian highlighted that the allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors "strike at the very core of what we stand for: Protecting those who cannot protect themselves."

"As the agency tasked with safeguarding the well-being of our nation's most vulnerable, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) cannot stay silent in the face of the serious charges against Mr. Apollo Quiboloy," the statements said about the standoff between authorities and supporters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader.

The DSWD chief also cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s advocacy to protect the innocent and how their suffering affects his office.

"Gatchalian added, "He speaks for so many of us when he says nothing is more painful than seeing a child in need, in pain, or left without hope. It is this same pain that drives our work at the DSWD."

"It is particularly painful when public figures, who should be champions of justice and defenders of the vulnerable, seem to downplay these horrific acts or align themselves with those accused of such egregious crimes. We must never forget that behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families suffering," he added.

He said the DSWD stands with the victims of such crimes and is committed to ensuring they receive the justice they deserve and their voices are heard.

The DSWD head called on all leaders to stand with the nation in protecting the rights of every Filipino child and to support the judicial processes that are in place to bring perpetrators to justice.

"The DSWD calls on all leaders and citizens to support the legal processes that seek to protect the innocent and bring perpetrators to justice. We stand firmly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his commitment to creating a better future for every Filipino child, where no one is left behind or left to suffer alone," Gatchalian said.