Unicef calls for protection of kid involved in Gregorio murders

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) is “deeply concerned” over the welfare of the daughter of the police officer who shot dead a mother and her son on December 20, as her photos have been circulating on social media. (File photo by heb@Wikimedia Commons (mail), CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) is “deeply concerned” over the welfare of the daughter of the police officer who shot dead a mother and her son on December 20, as her photos have been circulating on social media.

The UN agency underscored that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including bullying, noting that the kid was also a “victim” in the murder of Sonya Gregorio and her son, Frank Anthony.

It appealed to the public to refrain from using violent language and posting her photos and personal information, saying this only causes additional harm, trauma, and stigma to the child.

“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,” it said in a statement dated December 22.

Citing various studies, Unicef said children who witness violence become vulnerable to physical and mental health problems, some of which would only manifest when they reach adulthood.

“We urge the local social welfare and development office to provide psychosocial support and other needed child protection services to all children who witnessed the violent event,” it said.

As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it noted that the Philippines is “duty-bound” to uphold the right of all children to be protected from all forms of violence.

At the same time, Unicef called for justice for the double murder of the mother and son.

Police Senior Master Sgt. Jonel Nuezca was caught on video shooting both 52-year old Sonya and her 25-year old son Frank Anthony in the head at point-blank range in front of his daughter in Paniqui, Tarlac.