By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
After a viral video taken by a concerned citizen showing a boy getting kicked and punched by the alleged partner of the child’s mother gained traction on social media, authorities immediately acted upon the unnerving incident by apprehending the 28-year-old female suspect and holding the child’s mother accountable for her lack of action on this matter.
The 28-year-old suspect would face charges in relation to a violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” while the mother of the child will be charged through direct filing for violation of Section 10(a) of R.A. 7610 in relation to child neglect and abuse.
Upon further investigation by the Taguig City Police, it was found that the incident came from a heated altercation between the child’s mother and the suspect, who was allegedly intoxicated before the documented abuse incident.
The PNP statement added, “Witnesses and neighbors initially intervened to pacify the situation; however, the suspect later allegedly redirected her anger toward the child and inflicted physical injuries.”
The child, moreover, was safely turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for proper custody and intervention.
In a media release on Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strongly denounced this child abuse incident, which it deems as ‘deeply disturbing and unacceptable.’
DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao reaffirmed the agency’s firm stance against any form of violence against women and children, with perpetrators bound to face charges under R.A. 7610 and Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act).
“Mahigpit pong kinokondena ng DSWD ang anumang uri ng pananakit at pang-aabuso laban sa mga bata.” She concluded by calling on families in a similar predicament to prioritize the welfare and safety of their children over abusive relationships.
As of press time, the agency is in close coordination with the Taguig CSWDO, with its social workers looking after the child and his mother to ensure recovery from this traumatic experience.
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