Commission on Human Rights (INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is conducting an independent investigation on two recent cases of alleged violence against children.
The first case involves a three-year-old girl who was reportedly raped and killed by her 72-year-old neighbor in Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat on September 26.
The second case is about a 14-year-old Grade 5 pupil in Antipolo city who died after reportedly being slapped by his teacher.
According to local authorities, the suspect in the rape and slay case of the young girl initially attempted to assault the victim’s mother.
READ: Cops still probing death of Grade 5 pupil in Antipolo
The mother was able to escape from the assailant, but she was not able to bring her four children with her.
CHR reported the suspect smashed the toddler’s head and took her away.
“The body of the 3-year-old girl was eventually found lifeless meters away from their home,” the commission said.
“Medico-legal reports also claim that she was raped,” it noted.
Meanwhile, Francis Jay Gumikib, the student from Antipolo city who was allegedly slapped by his teacher, was brought to the hospital a few days after the incident.
He complained of headache, dizziness, and vomiting.
READ: Children’s nightmare: Violence, death at the hands of people they trust most
Gumikib died on October 2 or 11 days after he was reportedly injured.
“In pursuance of our Constitutional mandate, CHR is already conducting an independent motu proprio investigation into these incidents,” the commission said in a statement.
It also stressed the importance of “recognizing the individuality and rights of children whose physical and mental vulnerabilities should not relegate them from receiving equal and proper treatment from adults.”