'Sorry, anak': Mother speaks after viral Taguig child abuse video
The mother of the three-year-old boy seen in a viral video being assaulted by a woman in Taguig has apologized to her child.
“Sorry Sayo. Mali Yung taong pinagiwan KO Sayo (I'm sorry. The person I left you with was the wrong one),” she posted on social media along with the photo of her child.
The mother explained that she left her child with the woman because she had to work.
“Alam nyo naman kung bakit ko iniwan Kasi napasok ako (You know why I left because I go to work),” she said. .
The video showed the woman kicking and stomping on the child who screamed and cried in pain. A neighbor reportedly recorded the video.
Netizens expressed outrage and heartbreak after seeing the video, while others offered financial help for the child.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on May 18 in Sitio Buyo, Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig.
Taguig police arrested the suspect, identified as alias Carla, 28, a resident of the barangay and reportedly the mother's partner.
Police said the suspect assaulted the boy after allegedly arguing with the child’s mother. Several residents intervened, but the suspect allegedly redirected her anger toward the child, causing injuries.
An uncle of the victim thanked those who expressed sympathy and offered help.
He urged donors to coordinate with the Women and Children Protection Desk at the Taguig City hall.
"Pasensya na po, pero ayaw po naming isipin ng iba na nag te-take advantage po kami sa kalagayan ng Bata. may mga gstong mag bigay ng Laruan at Damit sa WCPD nalang po kayo maki pag ugnayan. taos puso po kaming nag papasalamat. muli maraming salamat po! (I'm sorry, but we don't want others to think that we are taking advantage of the child's situation. If you would like to donate toys and clothes, please contact the WCPD. We sincerely thank you. Thank you again!),” he posted on Facebook.
He also warned the public of fake accounts assuming the identity of his sister.