Protecting children is among the primary aim of the quarantine guidelines with its restrictions for minors. It is deeply concerning and devastating when the implementation of this policy results in the deprivation of the utmost right to life of a child. According to a belated police report, 12-year old John Dave Pepito collapsed and died after being chased by two barangay tanods last 14 April 2021 in Barangay 179, Pasay City.

Children who commit quarantine infraction must be handled with utmost consideration to their welfare and rights. The quarantine policy is in place to protect the minors and the community, not to harm them.

We also remind authorities that minors who are guilty of violating quarantine rules must be turned over to their parents, guardians, and/or a social worker so they are given proper interventions, guidance, and/or advice. This is in line with the memorandum circular issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Council on the Welfare of Children entitled “Reiteration of Protocols on Reaching out to Children, including those in Street Situations, in need of Special Protection, Children at Risk, and Children in Conflict with the Law During the Enhanced Community Quarantine.”

We call for expedient action from concerned government authorities on this case. The CHR Investigation Office is also already conducting a parallel and independent probe on the matter.

Amid the compounding difficulties that impact many vulnerable sectors, CHR reiterates the need for prudence and compassion in enforcing quarantine guidelines. The ultimate goal is to save more lives, not put human rights, including the right to life, in peril. ###