Man charged for ‘slapping’ minor

CEBU, Philippines - For allegedly slapping a minor, a man is now facing charges before the court.

Associate Prosecution Attorney II Sarah Vanessa Lacno held Eliseo Narvasa for trial for violation of slight physical injuries instead of physical abuse in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act as complained of.

“Considering that no certificate of psychological report was submitted, the proper charge should be slight physical injuries under the Revised Penal Code,” read Lacno’s resolution.

Narvasa is the uncle of the child. Lacno recommended P5,000 bail for his temporary liberty while the case is being heard.

In his sworn statement, a 12-year-old boy, who is a resident of Barangay Basak-Pardo, Cebu City, alleged that at about 4 p.m. on January 20, Narvasa slapped him while he was playing “bato-lata” with his friends. (Bato-lata is a traditional Filipino street game.)

“I was playing bato-lata together with my friends and when I struck the can, the stone accidentally hit (Narvasa’s son’s) face,” he said.

Later, he said Narvasa arrived and slapped his face.

The minor confided to his mother what his uncle did to him, prompting them to report the incident before the barangay.

Narvasa was then arrested by the barangay tanods.

Barangay tanods Abraham Algar and Reymond Salgarino supported the statements of the minor by executing their own affidavit.  (FREEMAN)