By Charissa Luci-Atienza An official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has encouraged the public to report cases of abuses against children and youth during the enhanced community quarantine. DSWD Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs Glenda D. Relova said the community should keep an eye on the "signs and symptoms" of child abuse during ECQ, as child rights group Save the Children Philippines raised alarm that children and youth are facing "cruel and degrading" treatment for violating the quarantine protocols. "It is everyone's responsibility to be vigilant and recognize signs and symptoms of abuse within our family and community," she told the Manila Bulletin. She encouraged the public to report cases of abuse hurled against the minors and children, even as she expressed government's readiness to address their concerns. "Reporting case of abuse is challenging during ECQ but the government as well as our international and private partners on child protection are always ready to respond," Relova said. "We provided different hotlines and social media platforms for the public to report incidence of abuse," she pointed out. In a statement, Albert Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children Philippines, earlier called on all local government officials to adhere to the Joint Memorandum Circular issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Council for the Welfare of Children that clearly defines the procedure in handling children who are caught violating the quarantine guidelines. The circular provides that children who are caught violating the quarantine protocols should be brought to their place of residence or released to the custody of their parents, without being penalized. The child rights group condemned the string of reported violations against children and youth. This included the arrest of a 15-year old boy in Pandacaqui, Pampanga on April 5 who witnessed individuals who were forced to kiss each other and do a sexy dance as punishment for violating the curfew. On March 20, five young people who were locked inside a dog cage in Santa Cruz, Laguna for violating curfew rules. Six days later, two children, who were also curfew violators, also suffered the same fate after they were locked in a coffin in Cavite. On March 19, four boys and four girls were also reportedly arrested in Binondo, Manila for violating the curfew. Reports said the hair of seven of the children were forcibly cut, while the one who protested was stripped naked and ordered to walk home.