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He may not be quite aware of it, but Frederico - the boy whose severely malnourished images went viral on social media in past weeks - has helped reunite a fellow child with his long-lost father. A man who initially thought Frederico was his missing son went to the Manila Reception and Action Center - where by chance his real son was staying, GMA News' Saleema Refran reported on "24 Oras." Tatay Renato said he saw the report on Frederico on "24 Oras" and went there thinking Frederico was his son, who he had not seen since March 1. "Masakit, parang nakakasikip ng dibdib. Lalo na pag natutulog ka na yung anak mo di mo makita. Hindi ko malaman kung anong gagawin ko...." he said. While he learned Frederico was not his long-lost son, he was overjoyed anyway - as his real son Renato Jr., nicknamed "Kalbo," turned out to be staying at the RAC. He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development representative had asked him if he had another ID of his son. When he showed one ID with a photo showing his son was almost bald, the social worker indicated there was a match. Tatay Renato said he and his son were separated at Barangay Culiat in Quezon City last March 1. The boy was found March 6 in Avenida in Manila. "Lagi kong tinatanong sa sarili ko, kailan ko kaya makukuha ang batang ito? Kailangan magpapasko makasama ko ang anak ko. Eto na, kasama ko na," Tatay Renato said.
Frederico still recovering Meanwhile, the "24 Oras" report said Frederico continued to recover at the Helping Hands Healing Ministry in Olongapo City. He has been checking the kitchen and would smile when he smelled delicious food being cooked. "Frederico is doing well, still not eating his vegetables. He doesn't like them. But aside from that he's doing pretty well," said Claire Henderson, executive director of the foundation. Henderson also called on Frederico's parents to surface. P50 million for RAC Meanwhile, the Manila city government has added P50 million to the funds of the RAC. City Mayor Joseph Estrada said this was for food and other needs of the children staying there. Estrada also said he has scolded the city social welfare department over the matter, though he maintained Frederico's was an isolated case. He also said he is ready to face a probe by the Department of Social Welfare and Development on the matter. "That's an isolated case. Sige magpaimbestiga sila. Ako mananagot. Sabihin mo sa kanila." he said. — Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News
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