SOCIAL workers will continue to take custody of 6 of the 19 Lumad learners earlier rescued by police in Cebu City until the appropriate psycho-social interventions are completed, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said.

Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas said that the DSWD office in Central Visayas ensured the custody of one of the six minors, a 17-year old Subanon girl who was allegedly a regular NPA member when rescued by police from the University of San Carlos Balamban campus.

Sinas, citing the report of Police Regional Office 7 Director Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo, said both parents of the Subanon girl are reportedly members of the New People’s Army.

Authorities are validating reports that the teenager is herself a regular communist party member based on information from a former cadre.

The DSWD-R7 maintained custody of the child, citing Standard Operating Procedures that before the turn-over of custody of children under their care, a “proper evaluation and assessment with the child must be undertaken, including the capacity of the parent, and not any other person, to take custody of the child”.

Of the 19 rescued Lumad children, 13 Ata Manobo minors have been returned to their hometown in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Six remain with the DSWD in Cebu City while awaiting their release to their respective parents.

Meanwhile, the personnel are assisting five Lumad parents from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat in completing documentation to take custody of their rescued children.

Montejo said one of the seven accused of kidnapping and human trafficking by the police has signified intention to turn state witness.