Joint Task Force rescues 14 minors in Haina and arrests 13 people

Santo Domingo.- Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful reported progress by the Joint Task Force, highlighting the rescue of 14 minors in Haina and increased preventive surveillance in commercial areas during a follow-up meeting led by Vice President Raquel Peña.

The minors, ranging from three months to 17 years old, were rescued during an operation at the Restoring Life Foundation, described as a religious organization in the Las Paredes sector of Haina. Authorities acted after a minor escaped from the facility and reported alleged forced labor, isolation and physical abuse.

The operation involved the National Police, Public Ministry and Conani, resulting in the rescue of the minors and the arrest of 13 people, including 69-year-old Ángel Gabriel Cabañas. The Public Ministry is continuing its investigation to determine possible criminal responsibility.

Raful also addressed concerns about security in commercial areas, stressing the importance of citizens filing formal complaints so authorities can better deploy predictive and preventive operations.

She reported that the proportion of officers assigned to preventive patrols has risen from 13% in 2020 to 36% currently, following the incorporation of nearly 12,000 new officers trained through a one-year program. Another 2,000 officers are expected to join the force in November, while authorities are acquiring vehicles, motorcycles and body cameras.

According to the latest security indicators, the country’s cumulative homicide rate stood at 7.41 per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of August, down from 8.39 recorded in 2025.