Nat'l Youth Commission says Tanauan 'walk of shame' illegal

The National Youth Commission (NYC) has condemned the "walk of shame" punishment meted on a minor in Tanauan, Batangas, for allegedly stealing a plastic bag, a report on 24 Oras said Thursday.

According to NYC Commissioner Perci Cedaña, the punishment meted out on the 17-year-old suspect was against the Constitution, Republic Act No. 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, and RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

Cedaña called on the officials of Tanauan to consider the rights of the minor, who was made to walk around a wet market with a sign saying "ako'y magnanakaw huwag tularan" around his neck.

Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili has yet to reply to Cedaña's remarks, but has insisted on continuing his shame campaign as an anti-crime measure in the city despite criticism from the Commission on Human Rights. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News