Taguig city: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) condemned the physical abuse of a 3-year-old child in Taguig City, calling it an unacceptable violation of children's rights.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CWC denounced the incident in a statement on Tuesday night. The abuse took place in Sitio Bagong Pag-asa, Barangay Western Bicutan, and gained widespread attention after a video of the victim went viral on social media.
The council highlighted that any form of violence against children is highly alarming and unacceptable. It stressed that harming a defenseless child constitutes a violation of their dignity, rights, and safety.
CWC Undersecretary Angelo Tapales stated, "Walang batang dapat lumaki sa takot at pananakit. Tungkulin nating lahat na tiyaking ligtas, inaaruga, at napoprotektahan ang bawat batang Pilipino sa tahanan man o komunidad (No child should grow up in fear and pain. It is our collective duty to ensure that every Filipino child is safe, nurtured, and protected whether at home or in the community)."
The public is reminded that state laws explicitly prohibit acts of cruelty against minors under Republic Act 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Violators will face the full force of the law.
The CWC is collaborating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Taguig local government unit, and law enforcement agencies to provide rescue, safety, and psychosocial support for the toddler and the victim's mother. It praised the swift response of local police in rescuing the child and taking the suspect into custody.
The CWC urged neighbors, relatives, and community members to promptly report any suspected cases of child maltreatment. Incidents of child abuse, exploitation, or violence can be reported immediately to the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383. Reports can also be submitted through mobile hotlines (Smart: 0919-354-1383 / Globe: 0915-802-2375), the Makabata Helpline 1383 social media accounts, or via the "Child Abuse" reporting feature of the Department of Information and Communications Technology's eGovPH Mobile App.
