UNICEF-Philippines urges public: Avoid vilifying Nuezca's daughter

UNICEF-Philippines called on the public on Thursday to refrain from berating and posting personal information of the daughter of Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, the cop who shot to death two of his neighbors in Paniqui, Tarlac last Sunday.

According to UNICEF, children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including bullying, noting that the child is also a victim in the situation.

"UNICEF is deeply concerned for the well-being of this child whose photos are being circulated on social media platforms where she has been repeatedly vilified and verbally abused," it said.

"We appeal to the public to refrain from using violent language and posting her photos and personal information. This only causes additional harm, trauma, and stigma to the child," it added.

UNICEF pointed out that "children also have the right to be supported through non-violent parenting practices and behaviors from adults to enable them to grow up in a safe environment and reach their full potential."

"Various studies have shown that children who are victims of and those who witness violence become vulnerable to physical and mental health problems, some of which will manifest when they reach their adulthood," it said.

It also urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide psychosocial support to all children who witnessed the tragic incident.

It also called on the national government, especially the Philippine National Police, to immediately adopt and implement the PNP Child Protection policy, which reinforces zero-tolerance to any act of violence against children.

"As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Philippines is duty-bound to uphold the right of all children to be protected from all forms of violence, and their right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment that develops their potentials and capacities," the UNICEF said.

The group, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the bereaved family of victims Sonya and her son Frank Anthony Gregorio, even as it demands justice for the victims. —LBG, GMA News