MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) said the videos circulating online and on television showing a policeman haplessly killing two people in front of his minor daughter is worrying.
While Unicef condoles with the victims Sonya and Frank Gregorio who were killed by Parañaque policeman Police Senior Master Sgt. Jonel Nuezca in Tarlac on Dec. 20. It, however, is “deeply concerned” for the well-being of the 12-year-old daughter who was repeatedly vilified and verbally abused on various social media platforms. “Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including bullying. The child is also a victim in this situation. We appeal to the public to refrain from using violent language and posting her photos and personal information. This only causes additional harm, trauma, and stigma to the child,” Unicef said.
Unicef added that children also have the right to be supported through nonviolent parenting practices and behaviors from adults so they can grow in a safe environment.
“Various studies have shown that children who are victims of and those who witness violence become vulnerable to physical and mental health problems, some of which will manifest when they reach their adulthood,” it added. Unicef urged the local social welfare and development office to provide psychosocial support and other needed child protection services to all children who witnessed the violent event, and the police to immediately adopt and implement the Philippine National Police Child Protection Policy.
The police child protection policy aims to reinforce zero tolerance for any act of violence against children and ensure the special protection of children from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
Those traumatized or affected by the video and the incident are encouraged to access mental health and counseling support services, such as the Philippine Red Cross hotlines at 143 or 1158, or the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotlines at 0917-8998727 and 79898727. INQ