Child Rights Network (CRN) has reported other cases of “child victims of arbitrary killings” under the present administration, which it claimed, “following the same familiar narrative”.
“Gunmen, usually unidentified assailants, enter poor neighborhoods and households, indiscriminately firing at suspects, and ‘collateral damage’ like children are sadly merely perceived as mistakes,” the network said in a statement issued on August 15.
The group made the statement following the death of 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar, who was mistakenly killed by the police in Navotas City on August 2.
CRN said a 15-year-old male, also in Navotas City, was killed in a police operation on May 29, 2023. “Later, the police claimed they had recovered cartridge cases, shabu, and other drug paraphernalia from the crime scene.”
In Masbate province, south of Manila, on June 13, 15-year-old Marian was shot twice by unidentified gunmen while opening her door front.
According to CRN, witnesses heard one of the gunmen said “Pare, babae pala ‘yung nabaril natin!” (The one we shot was a girl!).
On May 26, 17-year-old Samuel was “found dead and handcuffed with a nylon cord wrapped around his neck” in San Ildefonso town, Bulacan province.
“Samuel had been a child in conflict with the law and was placed in Bahay Pag-asa in Malolos several times due to his involvement in drugs. He wanted to change but is no longer given the chance to prove himself,” CRN said.
The group said these child victims “are not mere numbers and casualties” but “sons, daughters, siblings, and friends, each with their own name, dreams, and potential”.
The network called for a comprehensive review of law enforcement practice in the country and demanded “reflection and change” at all levels of policy-making and operational execution.
“Children will only be safe and protected in this country if we start nurturing a culture that upholds due process, restorative justice, and respect for basic human rights and dignity,” the group said.
