THE parents of a three-year-old girl who perished in A fire last All Souls’ Day may be held responsible for her death, according to social welfare officials yesterday.

They may be held liable for violating Presidential Decree 603, or the Child and Youth Welfare Code, if it is proven that their neglect caused her death, said Emma Patalinghug of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 yesterday.

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Mariel Manubag died after fire razed her family’s house in Barangay Don Andres Soriano in Toledo City last Monday. Fire investigators believe a candle left in the family altar may have caused the fire.

Mariel’s father, grandfather and grandmother were out at the time of the incident.

Avelino Zambo, Jr., Toledo City administrator, said they are still gathering details of the fire victim.

He said city officials, headed by Mayor Arlene Zambo, will give financial assistance to the family. The amount will be determined by the nature of the victim’s death.

DSWD

The City is also coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He said Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district) also asked for details of the incident so he can send financial assistance.

The victim’s parents may be charged with abandonment since the law considers a three-year-old as a baby or toddler that requires constant parental supervision, said Patalinjug in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.

Child abuse

Patalinghug, who specializes in child abuse cases, said parents found guilty of the charge will face imprisonment for two to six months or a fine not exceeding P500, or both, at the court’s discretion. They will undergo special briefings, such as therapy.

The DSWD will also provide financial aid to the parents to help them shoulder the cost of burying their child, she said.

Patalinghug clarified that the role of THE DSWD is not to prosecute but to help parents and children move on from a traumatic incident.

She said that it will be up to the police to file a case against the parents.