Team formed to probe alleged child abuse in Bacolod orphanage

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Bacolod city government has formed a team to investigate allegations of child abuse at an orphanage here.

Eight children at the Bacolod Boys Home have executed sworn statements about the abuse, said Henry O. Streegan, a former consultant of the orphanage.

He said the children’s affidavits are with acting executive director Fr. Fernando V. Peralta. But Mr. Peralta, for his part, said only one child has executed a sworn statement accusing a city employee of sexual molestation.

"An investigation is underway. It could lead to other complaints of molestation at the Home, but the facts have to be established," Mr. Peralta said.

The orphanage was established in 1960 by Fr. Gratian Murray, one of the founders of La Salle-Bacolod.

He managed the home until he died in December 2000. The home, which is a project of the city, receives P3. 3 million annually from the local government.

Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia said there are moves to professionalize the institution and shield it from controversy so as not to scare off benefactors.

A policy-making board composed of representatives from the government and the private sector is being planned.