Woman beating 3-year-old boy in viral video arrested in Taguig

A 28-year-old woman was arrested in Taguig City on Monday after a viral video showed her beating a three-year-old boy, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

In a statement released Monday evening, the SPD identified the suspect as alias "Carla."

At 12:30 a.m. on Monday in Barangay Western Bicutan, police said the suspect allegedly assaulted the three-year-old boy after an argument with the child's mother.

"Several concerned residents intervened during the altercation, but the suspect allegedly redirected her anger toward the minor victim and repeatedly struck the child, causing physical injuries," the SPD said.

The video of the incident reached barangay officials and city police personnel.

Authorities rescued the three-year-old boy and brought him to Taguig Pateros District Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

At 3 p.m. on the same day, Taguig police tracked down and arrested the suspect.

She is now in police custody and charges for violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act are being prepared against her, the SPD said.

SPD director Police Brigadier General Glenn Oliver Cinco lauded the authorities' swift action.

"Hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip na kumilos laban sa sinumang mananakit ng bata. Mabilis nating tutugunan ang ganitong uri ng insidente upang mapanagot ang mga responsable at maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kabataan," Cinco said.

(We will not hesitate to take action against anyone who harms children. We will respond swiftly to this type of incident to hold those responsible accountable and protect the welfare of our youth.)

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) condemned the incident.

“Nakikipag-ugnayan na po ang DSWD Field Office NCR upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bata at ng kanyang ina. Ayon po sa report, na-rescue na po ang bata at kasalukuyan pong nasa kustodiya na ng City Social Welfare and Development Office,” said DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

(The DSWD Field Office NCR is already coordinating to ensure the safety and welfare of the child and the mother. According to the report, the child has already been rescued and is currently in the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.)

“Ang perpetrator naman po ay for inquest proceedings. Ang atin naman pong mga social workers ay magsasagawa ng psychosocial intervention para sa mag-ina,” she added.

(The perpetrator, meanwhile, is set for inquest proceedings. Our social workers will be conducting psychosocial interventions for the mother and child.) — VDV/BAP, GMA News