The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has condemned the physical abuse of a three-year-old boy in Taguig City after a viral video showed the child allegedly being kicked and punched by his mother’s partner.
In a statement released Tuesday, DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao described the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” stressing that the government would not tolerate any form of violence against children.
The incident reportedly took place in Sitio Bagong Pag-asa, Barangay Western Bicutan.
“Mahigpit pong kinokondena ng DSWD ang anumang uri ng pananakit at pang-aabuso laban sa mga bata,” Dumlao said.
The agency reminded the public that laws such as Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, impose severe penalties on perpetrators of child abuse.
According to the DSWD, immediate intervention measures have already been carried out by its National Capital Region field office in coordination with local authorities.
The child has since been rescued and is now under the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, while the alleged perpetrator is undergoing inquest proceedings.
Social workers are also set to provide psychosocial intervention and counseling for the child and the mother.
“Nakikipag-ugnayan na po ang DSWD Field Office NCR upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bata at ng kanyang ina,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD also urged the public to immediately report incidents of child abuse and domestic violence to authorities to prevent further harm to victims.
“Hinihikayat po natin ang publiko, mga kapitbahay, kamag-anak at kaibigan na agad itong i-report sa barangay, pulisya, o sa ating mga social welfare offices upang maagapan at mabigyan ng agarang proteksyon ang mga biktima,” she added.
Dumlao likewise appealed to families experiencing abusive relationships to prioritize the welfare and safety of children, warning against allowing minors to grow up in environments marked by violence and fear.
The DSWD said it will continue coordinating with the Taguig City Social Welfare and Development Office to ensure continued support services, including temporary shelter, psychosocial care, and other interventions for the affected family.