DID YOU know that this month is the 30th anniversary of the Philippines’ ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights the Child (UNCRC)? Sadly as we mark the historic ratification, a molested adolescent girl seeking help from the police was murdered – and worse, the suspects were cops themselves.
Investigation show that the young victim, 15, and her 18-year-old female cousin who attended a party and reportedly got drunk were apprehended by two cops for alleged violation of curfew in Ilocos Sur. The victim managed to escape after being abused by one of the cops. Her cousin was allegedly raped by the other.
After lodging a complaint about the incident at the police station, the victim was shot repeatedly by two motorcycle-riding men on her way home. The crime happened on July 2.
The Philippines is the 31st country to ratify the UNCRC, a human rights treaty, on July 26, 1990. The convention seeks the fulfillment and respect of the rights of children to a dignified and humane life, to health and survival, education and protection from all forms of abuse and violence.
Violence against children, including those inflicted by law enforcement authorities who are duty-bound to protect them, is condemnable and must be put to an end. There must be justice in this July 2 case. The perpetrators must be prosecuted.
Child abuse is a nationwide concern. And in this time of community quarantine, police officers and barangay leaders must adhere to the guidelines of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on humane and dignified treatment of children and youth who violate curfew rules, among others. The new DILG guidelines issued on June 23, 2020 also applies to children in street situations and those in conflict with the law based on the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act 9344 as amended by Republic Act 10630). The additional guidelines form part of the Joint Memorandum Circular of the DILG and Council for the Welfare of Children dated April 6, 2020 on the protocol on reaching out to children in street situations, in need of special protection, children at risk and children in conflict with the law.
The unfortunate incident in Ilocos Sur was a clear violation of the new DILG guidelines mandating authorities to refrain from sexually harassing or abusing or making sexual advances on the child found during curfew. A child found violating curfew and quarantine rules must be turned over to their parents, guardians or to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children as stated in the joint memorandum circular. It also directs enforcement officers to avoid the use or display of firearms, weapons, handcuffs, as well as unnecessary force.
We should mark the 30th year of Philippine ratification of the UNCRC with a strong commitment to fight for the rights of every child to humane and dignified treatment, and the fulfillment of their rights to health, education and well-being.
