PRESS STATEMENT
The LCC hails the conviction of ACT Teachers Party List Representative, France L. Castro (Castro), and former Bayan Muna Party List Representative, Saturnino C. Ocampo (Ocampo) of child abuse for illegally holding and transporting minors in Talaingod, Davao del Norte in 2018.
In a decision promulgated on 15 July 2024, the Regional Trial Court, Branch 2 of Tagum City found Castro and Ocampo, among others, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 10(a), Article VI of Republic Act No. 7610 and sentenced them to suffer the penalty of four (4) years, nine (9) months and eleven (11) days of prison correccional, as minimum, to six (6) years, eight (8) months and one (1) day of prison mayor, as maximum.
This case sends a clear message to anyone who tries to corrupt our children, teaching them false ideas with the end goal of sowing discord and divide, that no one is above the law.
Castro and Ocampo maintain that what they did is a ‘rescue mission.’ Today’s verdict debunked their lie. Today’s verdict revealed the truth. Today’s verdict finally held them accountable.
We laud the prosecutors of the Department of Justice for their zealousness in this case; and stand with them in their unwavering commitment against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
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