SEVEN minors who were supposed to participate in the protests to mark the 70th International Human Rights Day Monday, December 10, were held by the police at a checkpoint and turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).
Lawyer Czarina Musni of the Union of People's Laywers in Mindanao (UPLM) said the minors were held by the police at the checkpoint in Baloy, Barangay Tablon because they were unaccompanied by their parents.
Musni, however, said that the minors were with close relatives and were permitted by their parents to participate.
"The social workers said if they can contact the parents and confirm the permission, they will release the minors to the group. But if the parents say otherwise, or the permission will not be confirmed, the CSWD said they will bring the minors themselves to their homes," she said.
Musni said she understands the police's concern on child trafficking, but pointed out that participating in rallies are far from the trafficking offense.
She said they will only participate in the Human Rights Day celebration.
"Of course we understand their intention but that was unnecessary," she added.