Soliman condemns groups for using children in rallies

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23): Soliman condemns groups for using children in rallies

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Juliano-Soliman condemned certain non-government organizations and faith-based groups in the Davao region who use indigenous children in rallies that compromised, not only the children’s welfare, but also their rights.

“Ang kampo nila ay nasa harap ng DepEd (Department of Education-Davao), nauulanan, hindi kumakain. Dapat nasa eskwela ‘yang mga bata na yan. Hindi n’yo dapat dalhin sa mga ganyang rally (Their rally camp is in-front of DepEd-Davao. These kids are getting wet under the rain and they don’t eat. These children should be in school. It is not right to bring these children to rallies),” said Soliman in an interview.

The DSWD secretary stressed that it is the groups’ right to protest, but not at the expense of the children’s welfare and rights.

Reports say that the children are from the far-flung town of Talaingod and nearby sitios and barangays in Davao del Norte.

“Kaya nakikiusap ako, kung tunay po tayong faith-based, kapakanan at karapatan ng mga bata ang pangangalagaan, pangungunahin (It is my appeal, that if these groups are truly faith-based, the welfare and rights of the children should be their top priority).”

The social welfare secretary said that her office will be sending letters to these organizations to appeal to spare the children from such activities.

“I will also ask the Commission on Human Rights to look into the condition of the children, and the groups’ practices. Dahil kailangan din siguro mapaalalahanan sila na ang karapatang pantao ay hindi lang para sa kanila, kundi para din sa maraming tao, tulad ng mga taga-Talaingod (Perhaps we also need to remind these groups that human rights is not only for a select group, but for all, including those from Talaingod),” Soliman noted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=775311