Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual violence, rape, and harassment.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed personnel to assist an 11-year-old child who wrote an open letter to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., seeking help over alleged abuse and harassment involving a barangay official in Camarines Sur.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on Damdaming Bayan, PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that he ordered multiple police units to immediately respond to the situation following the plea of the child.
“As early as 12 noon yesterday [Tuesday], I already directed the concerned units, particularly RD PRO 5, RD of NCRPO, RD of 4-A, CIDG, as well as the district director of QCPD,” Nartatez said.
The two-page letter, dated March 30, was posted online and quickly went viral for its detailed account of alleged abuse. In it, the child appealed directly to the President, describing repeated sexual assault against a sibling, which allegedly resulted in pregnancy, as well as claims of kidnapping and a forced abortion in Montalban.
The letter also cited alleged harassment by individuals linked to a barangay official, including the deliberate cutting of electricity and water supply, destruction and theft of crops, and acts of intimidation such as burning grass near their home.
The child is reportedly among homeless children being cared for by a non-profit organization in Camarines Sur.
According to Nartatez, a rape case had already been filed in connection with incidents that allegedly occurred on November 17, 2023, and February 13–14, 2023. The suspect is currently detained and undergoing trial.
“The case had been filed already for the case of rape that was November 17, 2023 and February 13–14, 2023. Nakakulong na ‘yung suspect, is now accused. Accused na siya hindi na siya respondent, nakakulong trial on the merits,” Nartatez said.
However, the PNP chief noted that some claims in the letter, particularly regarding the alleged disconnection of electricity due to the involvement of a barangay official, have not been substantiated.
“With regards to the concern of claim of the sister dahil pinuputulan sila ng kuryente because of the father of the accused is barangay official, pinuputulan daw sila ng kuryente but upon inquiries it’s not true. Actually mayroon naman silang kuryente doon,” he added.
In a Facebook comment on the post, President Marcos personally responded to the child’s letter, expressing deep concern and ordering immediate police intervention and protection for the group.
“My dear Maureen, your letter has reached me and brought me close to tears and made me very angry. I am sending policemen to you and your sisters to protect you and to find anyone who has hurt any of you,” the President said in his message.
He also assured the child that the government would support her education and ensure her safety moving forward.
“I will make sure that you will be able to continue studying as much as you want. You are a very brave, intelligent, and very kind girl, and I will make sure to help you and your sisters in any way you need,” he added.
The PNP is continuing to verify other allegations in the letter, including claims involving another suspected perpetrator. Authorities said they have already spoken with the child, who is now in contact with police personnel from the regional office and representatives from the Quezon City Police District.
Nartatez disclosed that investigators are also looking into information suggesting the victim may currently be living with another alleged suspect, with whom she reportedly has two children.
“As to allegations that another suspect raped her and we are looking after kais yung nakausap natin kamag-anak at nakausap na rin dito sa Quezon City area ang victim. The victim is surprisingly magkasama sila, they are living together with the suspected or supposed na nang-rape sa kanya, they have 2 children already. I am evaluating that with finality,” he said.
Authorities are likewise probing the reported forced abortion incident in Montalban, including identifying the individual who allegedly carried out the procedure.
“As to the case of abortion in Montalban, we are looking after this person. Anong personality or sino yung abortionist,” Nartatez added.
