DOJ, DILG chiefs: Rights of minors arrested in Manila riots will be protected
MANILA, Philippines — The rights of minors apprehended during the riots in Mendiola and Recto in Manila will be respected, top government officials said Monday, September 22.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla said children taken into custody will not be treated as hardened offenders.
"When we’re talking about minors, of course, there's state protection for them… We don't want to treat them as hardened people right away," Remulla said in mixed English and Filipino in an ambush interview.
"They have to first be given understanding of the situation, before we proceed with cases against them," he added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla likewise said the government will exercise compassion in handling minors arrested during the riots.
Arrests and turnover. Manila Police District spokesperson Police Major Philip Ines said 216 people were arrested during the unrest, 89 of them minors. Of those, 24 were aged 12 and below.
The minors are currently under MPD custody and will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
What the law provides. Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, children 15 years old and below are exempt from criminal liability and placed in intervention programs.
Those above 15 but below 18 are also exempt unless found to have acted with discernment, in which case they may face legal proceedings.
The law clarifies that exemption from criminal liability does not remove civil liability.
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