CHILD welfare group Akap Bata Party-LIST expressed their deep concern on the recent cases of hazing among children in Manila and Urdaneta.
“We are gravely concerned on these recent events of physical abuse on children. We fear that the culture of violence and impunity in our nation impairs them. In a society where urban poor communities are either violently demolished or is highly militarize, there are no reason to question why these recent accidents occurred”
Akap Bata believed that the actions and the pressing situation of our children is a mere reflection of what is currently happening in our society. “How can a country with rampant human rights violation both political and economic can be an ideal community for our children.”
Studies show that the reasons why children join gangs or fraternities is because children especially the poor, tend to look for sense of protection and look for groups that they can rely on (financial issues).
“We fear that this is a result of the states neglect to enforce and implement existing laws that protects our children. If abuse and violence are truly addressed, there is no need for these children to join gangs to feel protected. The government first and foremost resolve the issue of poverty among many Filipino families and see if the growth of the economy if reflected to common people,” Lean Flores, spokesperson of Akap Bata Party-List.
Furthermore, Flores said “As child advocates we at AkapBata Partylist are sadden and gravely concerned that children should not be engaged in these kind of activities. They should be able to live free from burdens and fear. And it is our duty as a nation to ensure that this shall not happen.
“Unemployment, wage increase, price hikes are just some of the issues faced by Filipino families and children today. They are forced to join gangs to be able to contribute to the income of the family, to eat to be able to go to school, to be able to survive”. Flores said.