Stepfather arrested for hitting stepchild with badminton racket
CHILD ABUSE – A 29-year-old man in Quezon City was arrested after hitting his 9-year-old stepchild with a badminton racket on Sunday night. The child suffered wounds to the head and back.
Police Major Jefry Gamboa, deputy commander of the Holy Spirit Police Station, mentioned that the child was at a computer shop when the stepfather, who was under the influence of alcohol, arrived. “Pagdating niya doon kinausap niya ‘yung kalaro ng bata na tawagin ‘yung anak-anakan niya tapos may nakita siyang raketa ng badminton. Dahil sa kalasingan, hindi alam na dahilan pinagpapalo niya ‘yung bata para pauwiin,” he said.
Residents intervened to stop the stepfather. They also brought the child to the hospital, where the child’s mother met them. Based on the investigation, it was revealed that this was not the first time the suspect laid hands on the child. “Sa tuwing nalalasing itong stepfather, lagi niyang sinasaktan ang bata kaya pinag-aaralan natin ngayon kung ano pa’ yung maaari nating i-file na complaint laban sa suspek,” Gamboa said.
The suspect admitted to hurting the child but claimed it was the first time. “Isang beses lang po napalo. Nakainom lang po, sir. Inamin kong kasalanan ko, humihingi ako ng pasensiya sa bata at saka sa asawa ko,” the suspect stated.
The suspect will face charges for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.” It is a law that safeguards children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. It prohibits various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional, as well as child exploitation such as labor and trafficking.
The law holds individuals in authority accountable for child welfare, ensures protection for child witnesses in legal proceedings, and emphasizes social services and rehabilitation for recovery. With defined penalties for offenders, this legal framework highlights the Philippines’ commitment to protecting children, recognizing their vulnerability and establishing measures to prevent and address abuse and exploitation.