The Department of Social Welfare and Development cautions parents about the possible risks that their children can possibly get into during election.

This is after the agency has received reports that allegedly some minors are tapped to serve as “liners” on the day of the election.

“We caution the parents about the vulnerability of their children to this kind of exploitation because we don’t want them to be affected by any conflict or unpleasant incidents that may occur during the day.” Protective Services Unit Head Josefina Reyes said during a media interview.

Reyes added that children are too young to be participating in such activity because they are unaware of the risk that they may be exposed to in chaotic situations that election may bring.

However, DSWD acknowledges the importance of engaging the youth in the electoral process but only to observe and help in ensuring that there are no irregularities happening, because it somehow empowers them to participate in civic life.

Reyes also urged the Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC) to ensure the safeguards of children and to initiate prohibiting measures so that children may not be used for election purposes.

“We have the BCPCs and we hope that they take appropriate actions on this. It is better if we have existing barangay resolution that will support our advocacy in promoting the rights and welfare of the children in their community.” Reyes added.

Under the Presidential Decree No. 603 article 87, every barangay council shall encourage the organization of a local Council for the Protection of Children and shall coordinate with the Council for the Welfare of Children and Youth in drawing and implementing plans for the promotion of child and youth welfare.

Moreover, DSWD iterates that voters, to include parents should educate the minors in the family, to instead make sure that the candidates they are supporting are the ones who commit to make protection of children a priority in their plans and platforms.###