Gitib launch child protection program in Mindanao

Linamon, Lanao del Norte – Children and youths in Mindanao, especially in Regions IX, X and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are exposed to dangers as a consequence of the armed conflict and disasters. These various forms of violence against children are happening in the family, school and community.

Mr. Roldan Gonzales, executive Director, GITIB, Incorporated said it needs a clearer and strong child protection mechanism to prevent child rights violations in many forms. The children and peace project was conceptualized by several child rights and peace advocates in Mindanao. The GITIB, Incorporated, a resource center for sustainable development, promoting peace and working for the enforcement of the rights of the children and youth especially in Mindanao launched a project called the “Mindanao children and Peace project” conducted in Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte on February 23, 2017. The target Barangays for project implementation are Samburon, Larapan and Napo.

 

Launching participants including the media.

Other conflict related situation makes children vulnerable to abuse. This will include the women, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Breakdown of talks between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is also vulnerable to conflict situation. Climate change will impact typhoon especially in Mindanao. The project is based on the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child which the Philippine government is a signatory. Unity and cooperation among the government and people is needed for the protection of the children.

Gonzales said the project has four components. First, the project has no direct involvement in the peace process but to empower the children on their rights because as they grow along they are future ambassador of peace; Second, Law protection of children is in place and have a workable mandate to protect children’s rights. Third, child protection will be ensured in the community, school and family; and fourth; strengthen the duty-bearers, parents, Barangay officials, government agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders. The children should be protected in time of conflict and natural disaster because during this time they are vulnerable to abuse. 

MOA signing

Samburon Barangay Chairman Silvestre Dela Torre said that the project is a big help for the children to know their rights and will be protected at all times against abuse without discrimination in terms of culture and faith.

Gonzales said that the project launching was the first activity conducted in Mindanao defining the roles of the Barangay council, Department of Education and other stakeholders involve in the project. Problem identification for the project will follow to address challenges in school, community and in family. This wil also define the power relations between the child and any persons, and ensure child protection against abuse and trafficking.

He said Disaster response in time of conflict and natural calamities will focus on psychosocial activities for the children with the expertise of the partners especially the Balay Integarted Rehabilitation for Total Human Development, Incorporated (BIRTHDEV). The issue about the  behavior of the children that they are disrespectful to other people is commonly happening in the communities because they were influence in what they see in their environment, community and the media especially social media is very powerful tool of information. 

Media interview with Roldan Gonzales (center)

Gonzales said that GITIB also include the protection of children on cyber space and social media because it involves greater influence in the internet on violent games and pornography. As to the restoration on death penalty law in 17^th congress, the House Bill (HB) no. 01 is now pending in congress. In universal perception of human rights, death penalty is not allowed under the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights in which the Philippines is one of the signatories. In another Bill the HB no. 02, the lowering of age of a child from 15 to 9 years old due to some cases that children were used in criminal activities. This was opposed by GITIB and other rights groups because children still under the care and responsibility of their parents as primary duty-bearers. In this project, duty bearers are to be strengthened to effectively protect the rights of children. 

On the contrary, Gonzales said if the two bills will be approved into law, might have children will be commuted into death penalty. Another observation of the justice system in the Philippines is dangerous for the poor because when rich and high profile persons commits crime they will simply under house or hospital arrest while poor people will go direct behind bars, worst, death penalty if the law allows. The reformatory center is also a problem due to the rampant source of drug syndicate. It is a risk for children inside a problematic reformatory center. 

Ronie Valledares, a child and Elementary pupil from Napo delivered a message and strongly calling that violence in Mindanao must stop and not to repeat again. He said that there is a need for unity, understanding and respect among the people of diverse cultures.

Jhomel Traya, a youth leader in Napo said that they acknowledged the problem of the teachers in schools. He said that it is not easy for teachers to impose discipline to children in numbers especially in public schools without any relationships because they are vulnerable to challenges legally.  

Commitment signing of support in the tarpaulin. 

Mr. Juanito C. Enriquez, Jr., Managing Director of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace, Inc. (CSO-FP), based in Iligan City also shared about the Bantay Bayanihan. He said Bantay Bayanihan is a CSOs network acting as the oversight body and counterpart of the Military on Bayanihan Program, whole of nation approach by winning the peace. He said peace is not only the absence of war but it is a responsibility of everyone. The Bayanihan program of the Military is the implementation of the International Humanitarian law (IHL), Human Rights law and the Rule of law. The Military implements projects for the civilian community in partnership with the local government and national government agencies. The CSOs and Military have frequent schedule of meetings to discuss the status of the bayanihan program. In Lanao del Norte, the Bantay Bayanihan network is called Bantay Kalilintad, means peace watch. Under the Bayanihan program, civilian protection is assured including children.

Gonzales said that there are still line-up of activities for the GITIB’s project launching in other pilot areas such as in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, to be conducted on February 24, 2017. The most highlighted event during the launching was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the GITIB and the Local Government of Linamon, Lanao del Norte. The purpose of the MOA is complementation and support of the project among the parties.  The Mindanao Children and peace project is supported by the TDH Germany. Reports and photos by Jun Enriquez, Jacmen Macatimbol and Patrick Graf.