11-year-old child in Agusan del Sur impregnated by her 13-year-old cousin

An 11-year-old child from Agusan del Sur was shocked to know that she is pregnant with the child of her 13-year-old family member, who lives just blocks away.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “Bella’s” tummy started growing in December last year. She and her parents thought she was just sick.

“Nagtataka ako noon na kung ba’t hindi na ako nireregla,” she said. “Masakit dibdib ko. Sumasakit ulo, tiyan ko, at palagi na lang akong nagsusuka kapag nakakaamoy ako ng matapang.”

[I started wondering why my monthly periods stopped. My chest started hurting. I had frequent headaches and stomach aches. I would even vomit when I smell something pungent.]

Her parents “Ramon” and “Sarah” said they brought their child to a healer, who said that it was a tumor.

“Nagtataka ako dahil mayroong gumagalaw sa loob,” “Bella” said. “Pinabili sila Mama ng capsule at pinainom sa akin. Apat na beses ko po ‘yon nainom. Para daw lumiit ang bukol sa tiyan.”

[It felt as if something was moving inside me. They had me drink capsules, so the tumor would get smaller.]

Unfortunately, her tummy just started aching. As such, they decided to go to a birthing clinic, where it was found that “Bella” was already five months pregnant.

“Nagtaka ako. Hindi ko alam na buntis pala ako. Humagulgol ako ng iyak dahil hindi ko matanggap.”

[I didn’t even know I was pregnant! I couldn’t help but cry.]

“Bella” is the second among their parents’ four children. At times when her siblings aren’t around, Her 13-year-old cousin “Julius” comes around.

“Noong September, parati siyang pupunta dito sa bahay. Wala pong mga tao dito. Umalis sila,” “Bella” recalled. “Apat na beses niya akong ginalaw. Natakot po ako. Hindi po ako nagsumbong.”

[He started coming to visit last September when there were no people around. He sexually assaulted me four times. I was so scared. I couldn’t tell anyone.]

“Julius” lives three houses from “Bella’s.” He is now regretful of what happened.

“Ang naalala ko, kami lang dalawa nagkekwentuhan tapos do’n na nangyari. Mga barkada ko po kasi, nanonood sila ng mga malalaswang mga video sa cellphone. Na-curious lang ako,” he said.

[I just remembered us talking when it happened. My friends would watch these explicit videos and I was just curious.]

“Nahihiya ako,” he added. “Nagsisisi ako na ginawa ko. Hindi pa po ako handang maging batang ama kasi gusto ko pa ma-explore ang labas at makahanap ng trabaho, matulungan sila Mama’t Papa.”

[I’m ashamed of myself. I’m not ready to become a father. I still need to find a job to help my parents.]

Both their parents are extremely disappointed, especially “Bella’s.” They have come to the agreement that “Julius” and his family will shoulder labor and medicine expenses.

After long hours of labor, “Bella” finally gave birth to a baby boy. Although she is still very much hurt by what happened, she is determined to be a good mother. She also vows to continue her studies while caring for her baby.

“Pangarap ko pong maging doktor para makatulong po ako sa mga taong may sakit,” she said. “Kahit [nagka-anak] na po ako, ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin po ang aking pag-aaral.”

“(Ito ay) upang matulungan ko po ang aking mga magulang at para sa aking anak,” she added.

[I want to become a doctor so I can help those who are sick. I want to finish schooling despite everything. This is so I can help my parents and my child.]

In 2021, it was declared that teenage pregnancy is of national priority. In 2018, the CARAGA region placed eighth in locations with the most number of minor moms, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey.

The Women’s Network for Reproductive Rights added that in 2019, about 500 babies are born daily to moms of 10 to 19 years old. Five out of 10 are voluntary.

Cristelyn Sibugon from the Women’s Network for Reproductive Rights added that “A significant percentage nung mga kabataan na ‘yan ay yung first sexual experience nila’y ‘di planado and also even a result of coercion and even rape.”

[The first sexual experience of these young people is usually not planned, and is sometimes a result of coercion or even rape.]

Apart from access and education on contraceptives, officials said children’s exposure to social media should also be looked at, especially explicit content.

Child Behavior Specialist Raul Gaña also underscored the importance of talking about sex within the family.

“Bakit? Kasi kinakailangan ito para ‘yung ating anak ay sa atin magtanong ng mga bagay tungkol sa sex at hindi sa mga kaibigan.”

[We should talk about sex to our children, so they would not have to ask other people about it.]

“Teenage pregnancy is not a personal concern or just a domestic concern. This is the concert of the entire society,” POPCOM (Commission on Population and Development ) CARAGA’s Director Alexander Makinano added.

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-MGP, GMA News