MARAMAG, Bukidnon — Seventeen senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) were rescued from an unregistered care facility in Maramag, Bukidnon, after authorities found them living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the local government unit and the Philippine National Police, carried out the rescue operation on October 11, 2025, at the Bukidnon Multi-Sectoral Services Foundation, Inc. (BUMSSEFI).
According to DSWD, the facility was operating without the required Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO) and failed to meet even the minimum health and safety standards. Inside, officials discovered filthy bathrooms, unkempt rooms, and overcrowded sleeping areas, with no qualified caregivers or social workers attending to the residents.
“Masalimuot at nasa delikadong kalagayan ang mga residente. Kaagad kaming nagsagawa ng rescue operation upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan,” DSWD said in a statement.
Repeated Violations and Negligence
Records show that DSWD Field Office X had already visited BUMSSEFI in February and April 2025 to provide technical assistance and guide them through the registration and licensing process. Despite repeated reminders and orders to stop accepting new clients, the organization allegedly continued its operations and took in additional residents.
This noncompliance prompted the DSWD to issue a suspension order, mandating BUMSSEFI to halt all social welfare and development activities, including public solicitations, outreach programs, and partnership engagements, until full compliance is achieved.
The foundation has been given 30 days to submit the necessary documents and fulfill all requirements.
Residents Moved to Safety
The rescued senior citizens and PWDs have been transferred to DSWD and LGU-managed facilities in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, where they are now receiving proper care, medical attention, and psychosocial support.
DSWD emphasized that under Republic Act No. 4373, as amended by RA No. 10847, all social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) in the country must be registered and licensed before operating. The law seeks to ensure that organizations providing care to vulnerable sectors—such as the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities—maintain humane, safe, and professional standards of service.
Accountability Beyond Compassion
While BUMSSEFI claimed to serve the elderly and the disabled out of compassion, DSWD officials stressed that good intentions are not enough without accountability.
“Care is not just about providing food and shelter—it’s about ensuring dignity, safety, and proper management,” a DSWD representative said. “Compassion without compliance can still cause harm.”
As investigations continue, DSWD reiterated its commitment to uphold the welfare of vulnerable Filipinos and to ensure that all care facilities in Northern Mindanao adhere to national standards of safety and service.
“Bawat buhay ay mahalaga,” the agency reminded.
Every life matters—not only in words, but in the way we protect the most vulnerable among us.