A case for child abuse was filed at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office against the man who was caught on CCTV beating up his nephew in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City. 

The case for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Child Abuse Act was filed against the 24-year-old suspect, an uncle of the 7-year-old victim. 

The case was filed after the child’s aunt, who stands as his guardian, refused an amicable settlement. 

It was learned that the aunt is a relative of the child’s father. She stands as nominal complainant of the case. 

The incident took place on May 19, 2024 at past midnight after the victim and the suspect’s child were reportedly involved in a petty quarrel. 

The CCTV footage showed that the suspect got irate and struck the boy several times with a bamboo slit which hurt the child badly. 

The suspect was arrested immediately and detained. 

Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero  said they are monitoring the condition of the child and his needs. They will also monitor updates on the case to ensure that the child gets the justice he deserves. She hopes that the outcome of the case will be a deterrent to others who have the tendency to be violent and cruel toward children.  

The aunt took the child under her custody in Consolacion town, north Cebu.

The suspect continues to refuse an interview.