Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla reaffirmed his commitment to delivering “compassionate justice for all” by formalizing a partnership between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support child victims of violent crimes.
In a ceremonial event at the DOJ Justice Hall, DOJ Undersecretary-in-Charge for the Board of Claims (BOC) Deo L. Marco, BOC Chairperson Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Miguel F. Gudio Jr., and DSWD Undersecretaries Adonis P. Sulit and Monina Josefina H. Romualdez led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA aims to simplify and strengthen the referral and assistance system for children under the DSWD’s Residential Care Facilities who have experienced violent crimes.
The partnership is grounded in Republic Act No. 7309, the law that created the DOJ-BOC, which mandates compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment, wrongful conviction, and violent crimes.
Under the agreement, the DOJ-BOC will process and evaluate claims for compensation referred by the DSWD. Qualified beneficiaries will receive monetary aid to help them recover from the trauma of injustices, including—but not limited to—online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), rape, torture, human trafficking, illegal detention, and enforced disappearance.
"This advances our shared objective of delivering holistic justice that does not end in the prosecution of offenders but extends to the healing and rehabilitation of victims," Usec. Marco said.
"May this partnership inspire meaningful outcomes, foster innovative solutions, and strengthen our collective efforts in providing the highest quality of care and support to children under the care and custody of DSWD-managed centers," DSWD Usec. Sulit added.
Secretary Remulla commended both agencies for their efforts, calling the initiative a milestone in the country’s restorative justice and correctional systems.