PNoy urged to uphold children’s rights

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino children continue to live in dangerous times under the Aquino presidency, human rights activists claimed Sunday.

Six cases of frustrated murder, 4 torture cases, 2 illegal arrest and detention cases, and 2 rape cases – all involving youths – were reportedly documented by the Children’s Rehabilitation Center during President Benigno Aquino III’s first 5 months in office.

In the same period, 136 children were affected by forcible evacuation, the center said.

Soldiers were alleged involved in all of the cases, according to Liberty Dipon, council of leaders president of child rights group Salinlahi.

“We also have received reports of minors being recruited to join the CAFGU [Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit] either by means of force or by joining young adult organizations such as YMCA,” she added.

Her group organized a protest march Sunday in Mendiola.

Some 150 children from urban poor communities in Metro Manila took part in the rally.

Their cry was “Kapayapaan at Katarungan, Hindi Kapabayaan at Paglabag sa aming Karapatan!” (Peace and Justice, not Neglingence and Violations Against our Rights!).

“This year, even with the advent of Noynoy Aquino’s presidency, the plight of Filipino children continues. We find him guilty of having neglected the Filipino children by having no clear agenda pertaining to their welfare. Even worse, he shows no difference from his predecessor when it comes to the record of grave child rights violation that happened under his watch,” Dipon said. –abs-cbnNEWS.com