Police officers in Catarman, Northern Samar extended medical assistance to a minor apprehended for violating a curfew ordinance after discovering the child had an untreated leg injury.
The incident took place on May 14 in Barangay Ipil-Ipil, where personnel of the Catarman Municipal Police Station caught the minor during the enforcement of the local curfew policy.
Following standard procedure, the child was brought to the station’s Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for proper assessment. During the evaluation, officers noticed that the minor had a wound on the right leg that required immediate medical attention.
Police personnel promptly arranged for medical treatment and provided temporary care for the child while under custody.
After receiving assistance, the minor was safely reunited with the family.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the incident reflected the organization’s effort to balance law enforcement with compassion, particularly in cases involving children and vulnerable individuals.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that police officers must continue to uphold humane and responsible public service while carrying out their duties.
“Law enforcement must always be balanced with compassion and understanding. We are here not only to enforce rules but to protect lives,” Nartatez said.
He added that protecting children remains a responsibility shared by all public servants.
The PNP said the response was aligned with its “Focused Agenda,” which promotes community-centered policing and responsive public service under its “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas” program.