Quarantine policies should protect, not harm, minors, CHR says after death of 12-year-old boy in

Quarantine policies are in place to protect minors and not to harm them, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Wednesday following the death of a 12-year-old boy who was chased for violating stay-at-home orders in Pasay City.

“Protecting children is among the primary aims of the quarantine guidelines with its restrictions for minors,” CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

“Children who commit quarantine infraction must be handled with utmost consideration to their welfare and rights,” she added.

John Dave Pepito reportedly hit his head on the pavement and died after he and other kids were chased by village watchmen for being outside their homes amid the imposition of stricter lockdown measures to curb COVID-19 transmission. 

The boy was declared dead on arrival after he was rushed to a hospital.

Pasay chief of police Police Colonel Cesar Paday-os said the village watchman had already caught the boy but he allegedly ran and fell, hitting his head on a pavement.

The CHR reminded authorities that minors who violate quarantine regulations must be turned over to their parents, guardians, or a social worker for proper interventions.

“Amid the compounding difficulties that impact many vulnerable sectors, CHR reiterates the need for prudence and compassion in enforcing quarantine guidelines. The ultimate goal is to save more lives, not put human rights, including the right to life, in peril,” it said.

The CHR also called for “expedient action” from authorities on the case, adding that it was pursuing a parallel and independent investigation. — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News