The Special Office for the Protection of Children of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of a Mangyan-Buhid child by the 4th Infantry Battalion of the 203 Brigade Philippine Army and the 2nd  Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police.  The child was killed in sitio Tauga Daka, Oriental Mindoro last July 3,2022.

The state forces were patrolling the area and accidentally stepped on traps set by Mr. Inyab, to catch wild pigs. As some of the soldiers were wounded, they started shooting at the home of Mr. Inyab killing the minor. To cover up their crime, the soldiers arrested Mr. Inyab, an elderly woman and a child. The state forces also tried to cover up their act by stating that an encounter between them and the Lucio de Guzman Command of the New People’s Army had taken place.

The Special Office for the Protection of Children demands the release of Mr. Inyab and his companions and indemnification to the family of the child they killed. The Special Office for the Protection of Children demands justice for the Mangyan-Buhid child and strict adherence to international humanitarian laws by the state forces.