Juvenile council calls for lawful treatment of minors
CLARK FREEPORT--The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) calls for the lawful and humane treatment of minors violating quarantine protocols when disciplined by local officials and law enforcement officers.
With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, most cities and municipalities remain under General Community Quarantine and precautionary measures continue to be in full implementation. However, parallel to this are the frequent reports on abuses to minors involving local officials.
Children who violated the protocols should be accountable but this should be done in compliance with the law and child-sensitive appr oaches.
The local officials and law enforcement can take guidance from the following policies issued by the national government.
MACABEBE - An elderly couple from this town died at the same day due to coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covi d-19) .
According to the local government's latest health bulletin, the couple from Barangay Batasan here died on September 17 while experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
The husband, aged 70, served as an EMDC or distributor of Holy Communion during Catholic mass, and was even able to perform his duty on September 6.
The 69-year-old wife, meanwhile, was usually confined on her bed and moved with the help of a wheelch ai r.
Barangay officials and law enforcement officers shall adhere to the following guidance: (a) explain to the child in simple language why he/ she is being brought to the barangay; (b) refrain from using vulgar or profane words and from sexually harassing or abusing or making sexual advances on the child found during curfew; (c) avoid displaying or using any firearm, weapon, handcuffs, or other instruments of force or restraint, unless absolutely necessary and only after all other methods of control have been exhausted but to no avail; and (d) avoid violence or unnecessary force. The JJWC urges everyone to work together in ensuring that the rights and welfare of the children are protected.