The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has rescued a female minor from alleged child labor and domestic abuse in Barangay San Mariano, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, NBI authorities said on a news release posted on its page yesterday.

The rescue operation was conducted by joint teams from NBI MIMAROPA, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Roxas, the Department of Labor and Employment Oriental Mindoro, and Roxas Municipal Police Station.

The operation followed a request last month for assistance from DOLE Oriental Mindoro, which reported that the minor was living with her adult boyfriend and allegedly being forced to work to support him and his family.

The victim was turned over to her mother and social workers from MSWDO Roxas for aftercare services.

NBI officials said they will file charges under Republic Act 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Republic Act 7610 serves as the Philippines’ primary law protecting children from abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Enacted in 1992, the comprehensive legislation specifically prohibits child labor in hazardous work environments, economic exploitation of minors, physical and sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, and discrimination against children. Violations of this law carry severe penalties ranging from 12 years and one day to 20 years imprisonment, along with fines of at least P50,000.

Several related laws work in conjunction with RA 7610 to provide comprehensive child protection.

Republic Act 9231, enacted in 2003, amended the original child protection law to strengthen safeguards against child labor and established 15 years as the minimum working age for non-hazardous employment.

The Revised Penal Code’s Article 278 addresses cases of qualified seduction and statutory rape when minors become involved with adults.

Moreover, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or Republic Act 9208, may apply in situations where a minor has been trafficked specifically for labor exploitation purposes.

Photo: courtesy of NBI Mimaropa