Published April 21, 2021 5:49pm Quarantine policies are in place to protect minors and not to harm them, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Wednesday following the death of a 12-year-old boy who was chased for violating stay-at-home orders in Pasay City. “Protecting children is among the primary aims of the quarantine guidelines with its restrictions for minors,” CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement. “Children who commit quarantine infraction must be handled with utmost consideration to their welfare and rights,” she added. The boy was declared dead on arrival after he was rushed to a hospital.
(Screengrab from CCTV Footage from Pasay PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
A belated police report stated that John Dave Pepito collapsed and died after the chase last April 14 in Barangay 179, Pasay City.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the death of Pepito was “deeply concerning and devastating” since it happened because authorities were implementing quarantine guidelines which were supposed to protect children in the first place.
“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,” De Guia, a lawyer, stressed.
(Screengrab from CCTV Footage from Pasay PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Pasay City Police Chief Col. Cesar Paday-os said the child was identified as John Dave Pepito. Authorities are still investigating the cause of his death.
According to the police report, the incident occurred last April 14 at 3:40 p.m. along St Peter St.,corner Mulawin St., Brgy 179, Pasay City.
Village watchmen identified as Relan Maquiling and Arturo Rontos from Barangay 184 were inside the barangay hall when they received a call from concerned citizens about a group of minors who were playing along the streets of St. Peter.
A witness, identified as Jaylord Zuniega, said in a sworn statement that he saw Maquiling and Rontos chase Pepito, who later collapsed.