PRESS RELEASE
Trigger Warning: Death, Physical Injuries, Violence Against Children
Buhay ng isang bata ang naging kapalit dahil lamang sa hangaring makabili ng ube. A 7-year-old child from Manila died last August 26, 2023, days after she was admitted to the hospital due to multiple physical injuries and acute respiratory failure allegedly caused by her own father just because she remitted incomplete change.
“Pinagbabatukan daw siya ng papa niya. Kasi inutusan daw siya [na] bumili, P37 daw ang dala niyang pera. Pagkatapos yung sukli pinakialaman daw po niya dahil ibibili daw sana niya ng tinapay na ube,” according to the child’s grandmother in an interview conducted by the GMA News.
The grandmother said that the child also shared that her father choked her and punched her head, and it was not the first time she had suffered physical abuse from her father. Moreover, the child said that her siblings and mother also experience abuse from her father, which her mom confirmed during an interview. The mother said, “kahit ako nasasaktan. Minsan naabutan ko na sinasaktan niya yung bata. Nag-aaway kaming dalawa. Syempre ako bilang ina hahayaan ko bang masaktan ang mga anak ko?”
According to the Manila Police District, the suspect is currently in hiding, but left a note saying that the death of his daughter was not his intention. The Police, which is preparing the filing of the appropriate criminal complaint, has advised the suspect to surrender.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) – as a government agency mandated to ensure a child-friendly and child-sensitive society that protects children’s right and welfare – condemns any form of maltreatment and rights violation. We are one with the Manila Police District and the family of the victim in their quest for swift justice. The CWC is urging the perpetrator to surrender and face the accusations against him. The CWC is also sending its sincerest sympathy and condolences to the victim’s family.
“Panawagan po ng CWC sa ating mga magulang at taga-pangalaga ng mga bata nag awing panuntunan ang positibong pagdidisiplina (positive discipline) sa pamamagitan ng maayos na pakikipag-usap sa mga bata kung sila man ay nagkamali. Itigil na po natin ang ibat-ibang uri ng pananakit o karahasan sa mga bata sa ngalan ng pagdidisiplina. Ang mga bata po ay may karapatang mapangalagaan at maprotektahan laban sa karahasan kahit pa ito ay gawa o dulat ng sariling mga magulang.”
If you have any information relating to cases of violence against children, you may call the CWC Makabata Helpline 1383 or message/call 09193541383 (SMART) and 09158022375 (GLOBE).
