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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Caloocan gov't rescues boy, 6, after video shows stepfather's abuse

Caloocan gov't rescues boy, 6, after video shows stepfather's abuse

Child's mother did not press charges because 'she loves him'

Published Aug 20, 2025 10:51 am
The Caloocan City government, through its Social Welfare Development Department (CSWDD), rescued a six-year-old boy after a video of his stepfather physically abusing him surfaced on social media in Barangay 175, Caloocan City.
The uncle who rescued the child from his stepfather. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
The uncle who rescued the child from his stepfather. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
CSWD personnel assist the six-year-old boy. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
CSWD personnel assist the six-year-old boy. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
Personnel from the CSWD, barangay officials, and CCPS-WCPD visited the suspect’s house as part of the investigation. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
Personnel from the CSWD, barangay officials, and CCPS-WCPD visited the suspect’s house as part of the investigation. (Photo from Caloocan City Government)
According to the Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS), the video taken on Aug. 5 showed the child being slapped, kicked in the head, lifted by the neck, and punched in the stomach. A medical exam confirmed the boy had lost a tooth and sustained multiple bruises.
The victim’s uncle reported the incident to the police, saying he clashed with his sister, the child’s mother, who refused to press charges against her live-in partner.
Police said the mother initially expressed anger after seeing the video but later reconciled with the suspect, telling relatives she “loves him.”
Barangay officials confronted the suspect, who admitted to the abuse and apologized.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan on Monday ordered the CSWDD to file charges against the suspect and ensure that he is held accountable. The city government has also coordinated with the police to pursue legal action.
Malapitan added that social workers will continue to monitor the boy’s condition and provide counseling to aid his recovery.
The mayor condemned the incident, stressing that abuse will never be tolerated in Caloocan.
“Mga Batang Kankaloo, wala pong puwang sa ating lungsod ang anumang klase ng pang-aabuso at titiyakin natin na mapaparusahan ang lahat ng mga abusado. Hinihikayat ko rin po kayo na kaagad na i-report sa amin o sa mga kinauukulan ang anumang uri ng pang-aabuso (To all Batang Kankaloo, there is no place for any form of abuse in our city. We will make sure that all abusers are punished. I also urge you to immediately report to us or to the proper authorities any incident of abuse),” he said.
Police confirmed they have processed the complaint and launched a formal investigation. The child is now under CSWDD custody for assessment and possible long-term placement.
Authorities also condemned all forms of violence against children and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing appropriate legal charges against the violators.
“We encourage members of the community to report any similar incidents through our official hotlines or by dialing 911 for immediate police assistance,” they added.

Related Tags

metronews Caloocan City Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS)
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