PWC seeks hold departure order vs. Swedish national

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission has requested for a hold departure order against the Swedish national who was nabbed while on his way to board a ship for Masbate with a 9-year old girl.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who is co-chairs the commission is hoping that the court will grant their request.

“If the judge will approve the request, we will be more comfortable,” Magpale said.

She revealed that they are still gathering evidence against the 67-year-old national, Jonny Lagstrom.

“We are very segurista kay di mi ganahan nga mo-file og kaso nga ma-dismiss ra, (We don’t want to file cases that will only be dismissed.)” Magpale added.

She said the case will be filed in Masbate province since the evidence is there.

Magpale said people see Lagstrom with his fiancé roaming the city since the Swedish national is out on bail.

She said they are closely coordinating with Masbate officials. Magpale revealed that the mayor of Uson immediately sent a social worker and a barangay captain after receiving the commission’s letter.

“We will assist in whatever capacity we can kay murag mas experyensyado man ta anang trafficking, (We are more experienced in handling cases involving trafficking.)” she said.

Magpale said the judge granted the family visitation rights and in turn, PWC asked the name of the family members so that the fiancé will not be among those who will visit the child and will not be able to poison the child’s mind.

She hopes that the judge will grant their request because they are afraid that Lagstrom will escape.

“Wa ta ma-ready katong kay Ellah Joy. Karon mas ready na ta,(We were not prepared in the case of Ella Joy but now we are ready.)” she said

Lagstrom, who was accompanied by his fiancé and the 9-year-old girl said to be his fiancé’s cousin, was arrested at the Cebu City port last February 22.

Lagstrom was charged for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law particularly on sexual abuse and “keeping company” with a minor who is not a relative or a legal ward.

Meanwhile, Magpale refused to comment about her political plans.

“It’s really too soon mo-announce kung unsa. I think we have to work first, (Its too soon to announce)” she said

She considered it difficult to declare her political plans since there are still works in the Provincial Board that might involve any party. “Mu-work na lang together sa Provincial Board without touching on their political plans. Humanon sa, (I’d rather work together with the provincial board and finish our duties first.)” she added. - (FREEMAN)