CHR to probe rape-slay of children

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has mobilized its regional offices to conduct parallel investigations into the recent spate of rape and killings of children.

“CHR is gravely alarmed by this spate of sexual assault committed against very young girls. CHR deplores all acts of gender-based violence, especially when it involves vulnerable children whose perpetrators are family members and acquaintances exploiting the victims’ trust,” the commission said in a statement.

“These are gross violations of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and several international human rights instruments, primarily the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” it said.

A seven-year-old girl was found dead along a riverbank in Trece Martires, Cavite on April 7. The suspect was identified as the godfather of the victim.

On April 9, the body of a 10-year-old girl was discovered near a banana grove in Davao City. The partner of a relative of the victim surrendered and confessed to sexually abusing the girl and leaving behind her corpse.

A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her grandfather in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, also on Sunday.

The incident reportedly occurred at their house while the victim’s mother was selling candles for Easter Sunday.

Police said the suspect had previously abused his granddaughter.

On Tuesday, a couple was arrested for rape and online sex trafficking of their six-year-old child in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

”Nothing can justify rape and any form of sexual abuse against children,” the CHR said.

“Regardless of motive and substance or alcohol influence, a person should be held fully liable for harming and abusing another human being,” it said.

The commission lauded law enforcers for the arrest of the perpetrators and government agencies that provided  financial, social and psychological assistance to the families of the victims.

“To prevent sexual abuse and violence toward children, CHR emphasizes that protecting children is a whole-of-society responsibility,” the CHR said. ”Families and communities must be vigilant, educated and aware of signs of sexual abuse to complement government and civil society efforts in promoting and protecting children’s rights.”