The Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyer (NUPL) protested outside the Manila Police District Headquarters for the immediate release of the children and youth arrested on September 21.

The groups called the PNP a “violator of children’s rights” for its continuing maltreatment of children. After nearly four days, the police continue to separate the children from their parents, who are patiently waiting outside the precinct.

Out of 244 arrested, 103 are minors, and the youngest among them is 9 years old. At least three have disabilities.

Most of the victims come from poor families. Some of them joined the protest to condemn corruption, while others were merely curious, innocent bystanders, or lived near Mendiola and were in the wrong place during the PNP’s violent chase.

While in police custody, the children suffered beatings and torture. They were deprived of food, medical attention, and communication with their families.

“This is clearly a violation of children’s rights. Supposedly the people’s protectors, the PNP leads in harming and brutalizing children!” explained Trixie Manalo, spokesperson of Salinlahi.

The NUPL condemned the reported sending of the arrested minors, along with their parents, to Manila City Hall to be presented before Manila mayor Isko Moreno for a “lecture.”

“The mayor has no right or authority to ‘lecture’ anyone. This violates (the children’s) rights to due process. The children and minors should be released for having been detained beyond 36 hours,” NUPL’s Atty. Ephraim Cortez explained.

The lawyers also condemned the state for threatening to charge parents unless they cooperate with the authorities. They said such a tactic is repressive and clearly violates the rights of children and their families.

The NUPL called for accountability of the officers and police involved in the abuses against those arrested during the protest.

“The child abuses committed form only part of the rotten overall system. The government responds with violence to the just demands of the masses. The system itself drives people to anger and action. The thieves must be held accountable, not the poor,” Manalo declared.