Philippine National Police

Child Protection Policy

Validation Workshop
PLENARY SESSION
August 20, 2020
Workshop Preliminaries

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Welcome Message PCOL ROBERT GALLARDO
Assistant Chief
Women and Children Protection Center
Philippine National Police
Background, PCOL VINA H. GUZMAN
Rationale and Chief, Operations Management Division
Women and Children Protection Center
Workshop Overview Philippine National Police
Background and Rationale

• CWC Board Resolution No. 1 series of 2012 directs member-agencies

to formulate a Child Protection Policy;

• On Feb 19-20, 2019, a Child Protection Policy Writeshop was

supported by UNICEF and a draft policy was formulated;

• Thus, this workshop aims to validate the content, scope, soundness,

and feasibility for implementation of the draft PNP Child Protection
Policy
Objectives

• The PNP Child Protection Policy aims to guarantee the protection and safety
of children from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other
conditions prejudicial to their development in the following instances:

1. Conduct of police/rescue operations,

2. Investigation and/or surveillance in times of calamities,
3. Armed conflict, and
4. Criminal interventions and/or while they are under the custody of the
PNP
Scope and Assumptions
• This Policy will cover measures to protect children in relation to the PNP’s:

1. General child protection policy;

2. Personnel recruitment;
3. Education and training;
4. Code of conduct for working with children
5. Management structure and responsibilities;
6. Communications protocol
7. Reporting and reaction protocol;
8. Ramifications of misconduct; and
9. Policy Implementation, monitoring and review.
Workshop Overview

• This workshop is attended by representatives from various National

Government Agencies, PNP Central and Regional Office
Representatives and Child Rights’ Organization Advocates.

• Last August 12-14, we held the validation workshop on the different

provisions of the current PNP Child Protection Policy draft. Our
purpose today is to present the summary of the outcomes of our
discussion last week.
 Program Flow
9:35 - 9:45 AM Reporting of Session 1 Output PLTCOL MARY GRACE R. MADAYAG

OIC-VFU, WCPC
9:45 – 10:00 AM Discussion of Session 1 Output Mr. Ysrael Diloy, Stairway Foundation

PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA & PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC

10:00 – 10:10 AM Reporting of Session 2 Output PMAJ JOVELYN A. BANARES

Chief, Regional Women and Children Protection Desk, PRO 2

10:10 – 10:25 AM Discussion of Session 2 Output Mr. Ysrael Diloy, Stairway Foundation

PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA & PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC

10:25 – 10:35 AM Reporting of Session 3 Output PCAPT PRINCESS F OBRIQUE

Team Leader, MFU, WCPC

10:35 – 10:50 AM Discussion of Session 3 Output Mr. Ysrael Diloy, Stairway Foundation

PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA & PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC

10:50 – 11:10 AM Comments and Critique from Panelists Mr. Ysrael Diloy, Stairway Foundation
11:10 – 11:50 AM Synthesis, Planning and Next Steps PCOL VINA H. GUZMAN

Chief, OMD-WCPC
 1. PBGEN YOLANDA TANIGUE (Ret)
2. PBGEN WILLIAM MACAVINTA (Ret)
3. Dr. Bernie Madrid, Child Protection Network
Panelists 4. Atty. Rommel Abitria, Humanitarian Legal
Assistance Foundation
5. Atty. Jillian Regalado, Commission on
Human Rights
6. Ms. Maricris Calipjo-Cabural, Juvenile Justice
and Welfare Council
 1. FJGAD-DPCR
2. UTPDD-DHRDD
PNP Offices 3. DLOD-DPRM
4. PRSS
5. HRAO
6. ACG
7. RWCPD
1. PROs 1-13, BARMM, CAR & NCRPO
 1. Department of Education
2. Department of Justice
3. Department of Social Welfare and
Development
4. Council for the Welfare of Children
5. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council
Partners 6. Commission on Human Rights
7. The Asia Foundation
8. Humanitarian Legal Assistance
Foundation
9. Save the Children
10. Stairway Foundation
11. UNICEF
Reporting of
Session Outputs
Session 1: Output
Reported by: PLTCOL MARY GRACE MADAYAG
OIC, VFU-WCPC

Conduct for Working with Children:

General Principles of the Child Protection Policy

Walk-in Police Station Complaints

Child Protection Policy Section:

*Reporting and Reaction Protocol
*Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Review
Conduct for Working with Children:
General Principles of the Child Protection Policy

I. General Principles of the Child Protection Policy

1. The PNP shall ensure that all its operations and processes are child-friendly in line with the principles of
child rights, particularly, the best interest of the child. As the agency tasked to enforce laws and protect
civilians, all PNP personnel must know, understand, and observe the provisions of existing child protection
laws and ensure that children are safe from all forms of violence or abuse, especially when in contact with
a PNP personnel or inside a PNP Precinct. Any conduct that undermines the protection and safeguarding of
children is prohibited under this Policy.

2. The provisions of the PNP Manual of Operational Procedures and Manual in Handling Cases of Children at
Risk and Children in Conflict with the Law and other guidelines or manuals shall be regularly reviewed and
any provision that violates the right of a child or does not reflect the best interest of the child shall be
revised in accordance with existing child protection laws and this policy
Conduct for Working with Children:
General Principles of the Child Protection Policy
1. It is important that the PNP personnel are aware of their duties when handling cases involving children.
The PNP Manual of Operational Procedures and the Manual in Handling cases of Children at Risk and
Children in Conflict with the Law shall be used as reference, whenever appropriate, in handling cases
involving children. In implementing these Manuals, the rights of the child and the principle of the best
interest of the child shall be considered.

There are several situations where a child will need to interact or work with the PNP.
1. Child victims reporting a crime committed against him/her or a child accompanying
parents/guardians/peers in the precinct to report a crime.

a. The PNP is expected to handle cases involving child victims with urgency and efficiency. The PNP shall
ensure that there is a child-friendly, secured area inside the precinct where children will feel safe and
comfortable to give their statement.
Session 1: Summary of Comments
• Specify that PNP operations cover those that are both internal and external in nature
• Rephrase the word “child-friendly” and modify that the focus should be geared towards the
“protection of the child”
• Child protection and being sensitive to the needs of the child is more important than being merely
“child-friendly”
• Child Protection focuses more on how the PNP deals with the child whereas “child-friendly” often
just refers to a space available at the precinct. Likewise, it should be noted that child-friendly
spaces are only available for victims but none for offenders/violators.
• The policy should determine whether the coverage includes all PNP Personnel – uniformed and
civilian alike
• Explore that possibility of including a Definition of Terms section in the policy to ensure that
misinterpretations of provisions are avoided, specifying limitations and scope. This may also be
helpful because several terms and phrases used in the document have specific legal/technical
definitions from various laws, cases, and/or treaties, and it might be unfair to expect that all
personnel already have an understanding of these terms. Example – (1) child rights, (2) best
interest of the child principle, (3) abuse, (4) neglect, (5) abuse, (6) child-friendly spaces, etc.
Session 1: Summary of Comments
• When speaking of “duties”, the PNP Child Protection Policy should be clear on
which duties are being pertained to. A PNP Personnel as it is has a multitude of
“duties and responsibilities”. Which of these duties are applicable to the policy?
• It should be explored to craft a PNP Code of Behavior that is specified in the policy.
It may be included in the definition of terms component that should be defined at
the beginning of the document.
• Analyze and study if the PNP Manual of Operational Procedures already cover the
code of behavior in dealing with children
• Such Code of Conduct may be presented in a table form/checklist of what to do
and what not to do when dealing with children
• Moreover, verify if DILG has an existing Child Protection Policy
• The Child Protection Policy should therefore be considered to be expanded into a
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Reporting and Reaction Protocol

1. The PNP shall ensure that there is a clear and efficient system to report violations of the provisions of the
Child Protection Policy or to give feedback on the operations of a certain Precinct or even the
headquarters. The system must be fair and accessible to the public. Even within the PNP, there shall be a
reporting mechanism to report colleagues who have violated the Child Protection Policy.

2. The persons reporting violations or providing feedback should not be subjected to unnecessary burdens or
threats from any PNP personnel. There shall be designated as the focal person for reports and feedback
and shall act within twenty four (24) hours from the time the report is made. Any and all personnel who
violate the provisions of the CPP shall be investigated in accordance to the provisions of NAPOLCOM
MEMO CIRCULAR 2016-002
Session 1: Reporting and Reaction Protocol

• There are no clear guidelines yet in monitoring compliance of precincts

• The WCPC secretariat may look if there is a standing memorandum circular that
may be a reference for a reporting mechanism
• The protection of the reporter/complainant should be ensured and that a
confidentiality clause may be included in the policy
• The current articulation of the Reporting and Reaction Protocol is still vague. It
should be restructured to indicate levels of processes of reporting
Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Review
1. Upholding the rights of the child, specifically, child protection, shall not be considered as an isolated issue.
Instead, it shall be ingrained in the core principles and values of the PNP and integrated into the planning
and assessment of its different programs.

2. A Committee on Child Protection shall be established to ensure that the Child Protection Policy is fully
understood and implemented across all the PNP offices, from the National Headquarters to all the Police
Regional Offices and precincts. This Committee shall be chaired by the Chief of the Women and Children
Protection Center and the Vice Chairperson shall be the Chief of the Family, Juvenile, Gender and
Development Division, under the Directorate for Police Community Relations. The Committee shall be
composed of representatives from Discipline, Law and Order Division, Director for Personnel and Records
Management, Internal Affairs Service, Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development,
Directorate for Intelligence and Human Rights Affairs Office.
Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Review
The Committee shall have the following roles and functions:
1. Devise programs, campaigns, and activities for the conduct of the nationwide dissemination of the PNP
Child Protection Policy.
2. Establish a system of reporting for violations of the Child Protection Policy.
3. Supervise, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of the Child Protection Policy.
4. Regularly review the existing Child Protection Policy and make necessary amendments in order to ensure
that it fulfills its objective of safeguarding the rights of the child.
5. Designate a focal person for the implementation of the Child Protection Policy in every unit.
6. Create and maintain a database of all PNP personnel who has violated the Child Protection Policy
Session 1: Policy Implementation, Monitoring
and Review
• Consider to include the following in the composition of the Committee on Child
Protection:
• Representative from NAPOLCOM
• Representative from an NGO
• Representative from Operations
• Representative from DILG (division/section concerned with children)
• A core child worker to make safety checks
• Overall committee functions may be categorized into three (3) clusters:
• Policy Recommendations and Formulation
• Advocacy
• Oversight
Session 1: Policy Implementation, Monitoring
and Review
• The preliminary discussion points of the committee upon convening may be the
following:
• Formulation and development of a Child Safeguarding Policy
• Establishment of a clearer monitoring and reporting system
• Cascading the Child Protection Policy to all PNP units
• Draft a Child Protection Committee Action Plan that has more specific, time-
bound, and measurable goals and outcomes
 Discussion of Session 1

Facilitation by:
Mr. Ace Diloy, Stairway Foundation
PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC
PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA, PNP-WCPC
Session 2: Output
Reported by: PMAJ JOVELYN BAÑARES
Chief, RWCPD – PRO2

Conduct for Working with Children:

Children at Risk (CAR) and Children in Conflict with the
Law (CICL)
Child Protection Policy Section:
*Personnel Recruitment
*Education and Training
Conduct for Working with Children:
Children at Risk (CAR) and Children in Conflict with
the Law (CICL)

1. Children at Risk (CAR), Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Children in Situations of Armed
Conflict (CSAC).

a. When handling a case involving a CAR, CICL, or CSAC, the PNP personnel shall keep in mind
that the child has rights that have to be protected. The PNP personnel shall not use force to
subdue a resisting child. Nor shall the PNP personnel threaten the child with any kind of
violence or use vulgar language. The parents/guardians of the CAR and CICL shall be notified
and/or referred to the appropriate agencies for the necessary intervention/diversion.
Session 2: Summary of Comments

• Categories such as CICL, CAR, CSAC should be disaggregated and defined

separately. There are nuances in handling each of these cases that may need
specific forms of diversion and intervention programs which may be referred to in
RA 9344
• Protocols on handling must be clearly identified, especially guidelines on the initial
contact of the child with the police
• Multi-disciplinary diversion and intervention modules should be explored to fully
equip PNP Personnel in handling cases involving children
• There is a call to explore concepts of incentivizing PNP personnel who are working
with children
• HLAF has committed to help train PNP Personnel in conducting diversion programs
Personnel Recruitment
1. The PNP, through the Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development, shall ensure that the
recruitment and hiring process for all potential PNP personnel includes the assessment of the
qualifications of the candidate and his/her knowledge of child protection and relevant laws.

2. All aspiring PNP personnel shall be subjected to complete background investigation (CBI) to determine
their reputation and possible involvement in any criminal activities, violent incidents, or membership in
any dubious or terrorist organization pursuant to PNP MC 2014-010. The applicant shall also undergo an
extensive neuro-psychiatric test to assess their psychological conditions

3. Aside from these tests, the interview process for recruitment shall include questions on the applicant’s
awareness on child protection issues.

4. After successfully completing all the stages of recruitment, all new PNP recruits shall undergo an
orientation on the Child Protection Policy.
Session 2: Personnel Recruitment
• PNP Personnel should be oriented and be familiarized with child protection
concepts upon hiring. It should not be a requirement to enter the police force.
• A new unit – Recruitment Service is newly established under the Directorate for
Personnel and Records. Such office is dedicated to address concerns on personnel
recruitment. The Child Protection Committee may coordinate with this office for
recruitment specific matters
• The PNP should spend on Integrity Tests, Self-Assessment Tests to measure the
perception of new recruits on drugs, violence, abuse and family ties, among
others
• On the CBI (Complete Background Investigation) Process, explore to include items
on how applicants will handle cases involving children
• The NAPOLCOM has an ongoing PNP Recruitment Process review which may work
well with the intentions of the Child Protection Policy. Coordinate with NAPOLCOM
Education and Training

1. The PNP Child Protection Policy shall be disseminated to all personnel and shall be posted inside
the precinct. To ensure that the Child Protection Policy is understood and followed, the PNP,
through the Human Rights Affairs Office, the Family, Juvenile, Gender and Development Division
and the Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development + WCPC shall develop a
standardized training kit and organize learning sessions and training seminars for all PNP
personnel on this Policy. The Child Protection Policy shall also be included in the Programs of
Instruction for mandatory courses for PNP personnel, including senior officers who will undergo
PSOSEC.

2. Aside from education and training on the Child Protection Policy, the PNP shall also ensure that
training on fundamental child rights and child protection laws are accessible to all personnel. It
is also important for PNP personnel to be trained on skills relevant to handling cases involving
children, such as: basic counseling, preparing questions and interviewing a child, among others
Session 2: Education and Training

• Posting the Child Protection Policy in precincts is not effective. It will not be
enough to educate PNP Personnel. Training on the policy is a non-negotiable
requirement
• Training should cover all PNP offices –covering both uniformed and civilian staff
• The Child Protection Policy should be included not only in mandatory courses but
also in specialized courses such as JOBC, CIC, and WCPD
• WCPC should lead in the education and training initiatives and cascading
• The future training module should be dynamic enough to be accessible to all
offices
• The role of HRAO should be indicated in the provisions on Education and Training
Session 2: Education and Training

• How to cascade and disseminate the policy should be identified

• Skills training on counselling should also be provided. Designing an Interpersonal
Communication and Counselling (IPCC) module should be explored. This relates to
the skills required on how to properly communicate with children
• While training as an idea is conveyed in the policy, it does not specify the specific
form of training it wishes to cascade
• In the definition of terms that will be developed, it should include the definition of
counselling and what constitutes proper counselling.
• Include a psychological first aid module with emphatic listening as a component
 Discussion of Session 2

Facilitation by:
Mr. Ace Diloy, Stairway Foundation
PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC
PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA, PNP-WCPC
Session 3: Output
Reported by: PCPT PRINCESS OBRIQUE
Team Leader, MFU, WCPC

Conduct for Working with Children:

Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) and
Children Protection in Emergencies (CPIE)
Child Protection Policy Section:
*Communication Protocol
*Ramifications of Misconduct
Conduct for Working with Children:
Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) and
Children Protection in Emergencies (CPIE)

1. Rescue, field operations, surveillance, and investigation.

a. During field operations, the PNP are expected to secure the area without unnecessary
casualties, including children. The PNP shall not use unnecessary force, violence or vulgar
language to children who may be on the scene, whether they are involved or not. When
gathering evidence, children should not be abused in any way.
Session 3: Summary of Comments

• Education and training to be conducted at the field level

• Proper information on how to handle and process cases of CSAC
• Proper reporting and referral system of CSAC – there is a lack of protocol in
handling CSAC
• Training on handling CSAC should go beyond WCPC/WCPD
• Include coordination with AFP
• There are PNP specific protocols in handling CSAC – beyond the Child Protection
Policy
• Focus on treatment and handling - there seems to be lack of awareness of the
protocol in the AFP and there is also delayed response from the PNP
Session 3: Summary of Comments

• CSAC law should be incorporated in all basic mandatory trainings of the PNP. beat
patrollers/first responders should be educated about the law and related
protocols.
• Not to label a CSAC as a member of an armed group or act in any way that may
cause the child discrimination
• Protect the identity and confidentiality of the CSAC at all times
• Do not use the CSAC for any political propaganda
• Do not unnecessarily expose the children to media. See CSPC media guidelines.
Communications Protocol

1. The PNP shall be mindful of how they communicate to the public. All media responses, public
information announcements, advocacy and promotional videos shall either be prepared in a
manner that the general public will understand, including children, or have a child-friendly
version specifically made for the younger audience.

2. If the images of children are used in publicity materials (digital, video, print) for fund-raising,
awareness-raising and others, the written informed consent of the child is needed, assisted by
the parent/guardian or an organization who has custody of the child. This consent must be an
informed consent – the child has to be clearly apprised of the purpose of the material, what the
message is, and how and where it will be distributed
Session 3: Communications Protocol

• Information on the PNP Child Protection Policy should not be limited within the
PNP. Device mechanisms to inform the public, especially children on the policy
• Such that, when children are brought to a station – the child should be aware on
what to expect from the PNP
• Include a clause in the provision that states: Ensure that “images of children
should not further victimize and exploit children and/or sensationalized their
situation”
• The PNP should follow the strict confidentiality mandated by law in certain crimes
• Localized and contextualized communications should be considered
Session 3: Communications Protocol

• There should be a particular way of handling and COMMUNICATING with children

– in various situations – consider the different nuances and realities
• Address gaps in continuity of programs, protocols despite changing
officers/assignment/administration
• To handle gaps in relations to frequent reassignment of trained PNP personnel,
mandatory courses and training of PNP personnel on child protection laws must
be taught.
• Under the human trafficking law disclosure of the identity of the victims is
punishable. The confidentiality rule even covers any disclosure by the media and
even by police, prosecutors and other government officials
Ramifications of Misconduct
1. All PNP personnel are expected to follow the provisions of this Child Protection Policy. In case an
abuse/violence is committed by a police officer, the WCPD investigator shall prepare the Complaint, inform
his/her Chief of Office and file the case to appropriate PNP disciplinary machineries for administrative and/or
criminal charges. The WCPD personnel shall likewise refer the child victim to the LSWDO for proper
intervention and case management. Any child abuse incidents committed by PNP personnel must be
reported to the WCPC for case monitoring.

2. Once a report is made and the PNP personnel accused is clearly identified, the accused PNP personnel shall
be subjected to pre-charge evaluation and investigation, following the process of handling administrative
complaints in the PNP Manual on Non-Disciplinary and Disciplinary Procedures shall be followed.

3. Any personnel charged for violating the rights of the child shall immediately be reported to the appropriate
disciplinary authority for subsequent filing of administrative or criminal charges, as appropriate. All cases of
PNP personnel charged for violation of the Child Protection Policy shall likewise be forwarded to the WCPC
for monitoring.
Session 3: Ramifications of Misconduct

• Internal and external monitoring and reporting systems should be developed and
established to address violations on the policy
- Process flow chart- from external
- Process flow chart - internal (referral pathway)
• Refer administrative cases to the proper unit/office handling such for PNP
• Consider proper disaggregation of administrative vs criminal cases and provisions
for such should be stipulated in the policy
• Indicate/clarify whether violations against the Child Protection Policy have
criminal or administrative repercussions. And such repercussions should be
mentioned in the Code of Conduct
Session 3: Ramifications of Misconduct

• Consider that complainants may be external/internal

• Coordinate with the AFP Human Rights Office or J7 for comment
• Replace the term accused to violator
 Discussion of Session 3

Facilitation by:
Mr. Ace Diloy, Stairway Foundation
PLTCOL JOY TOMBOC, PNP-WCPC
PCPT MAIMONA MACASASA, PNP-WCPC
 1. PBGEN YOLANDA TANIGUE (Ret)
2. PBGEN WILLIAM MACAVINTA (Ret)
Comments and 3. Dr. Bernie Madrid, Child Protection Network
4. Atty. Rommel Abitria, Humanitarian Legal
Critique from Assistance Foundation
5. Atty. Jillian Regalado, Commission on
Panelists: Human Rights
6. Ms. Maricris Calipjo-Cabural, Juvenile Justice
and Welfare Council
Synthesis, Planning PCOL VINA H. GUZMAN
Chief, Operations Management Division
and Next Steps Women and Children Protection Center
Philippine National Police
 Synthesis
Child Protection Policy Section Major Session Comments Plenary Highlights

General Principles of the Child A definition of terms section should be included

Protection Policy at the beginning of the policy

The general tone of the policy should center on

the protection of the child
Personnel Recruitment Coordinate with the Recruitment Service of DPR

Conduct orientation and familiarization with child

protection concepts upon hiring of PNP Personnel
Education and Training Spearheaded by the WCPC, training on the Child
Protection Policy should be mandatory to all PNP
Personnel

A training module should be designed to

effectively cascade the CP Policy to all PNP units
 Synthesis
Child Protection Policy Section Major Session Comments Plenary Highlights

Code of Conduct for Working with Categories such as CICL, CAR, CSAC should be
Children defined separately in the policy

Handling of cases involve specific forms of

diversion and intervention programs

There should be a focus on the proper treatment

and handling of children and clarification of
correct protocols
Communications Protocol Information should not be limited within the PNP

Strengthen provisions in the policy that ensures

the protection and confidentiality of children –
victims and violators, alike.
 Synthesis
Child Protection Policy Section
Reporting and Rection Protocol
Ramifications of Misconduct
Policy Implementation, Monitoring
and Review
Major Session Comments Plenary Highlights
Cleared guidelines should be set in the monitoring
of compliance of precincts
Complainant protection should be clearly
established
Creation of process flow chart to clearly identify
the action steps to be undertaken in situations
when the policy is violated
Inclusion of recommended representatives from
other offices and child rights groups
Committee function to be categorized in 3
clusters:
- Policy Recommendation and Formulation
- Advocacy
- Oversight
 Planning and Next Steps

Milestone Timeline Action Item

Revised Draft and Signed Child ProtectionPolicy – PNP September

Memorandum Circular Issued
Setting up/convening the PNP Committee on Child October
Protection
Development of a PNP Safeguarding Policy November

Validation of the PNP Safeguarding Policy December

Development of Training Module January

Pre-testing of Training Module February

Cascading/Training Proper to all PNP Offices – TOT March-May

Closing Message PBGEN ALESSANDRO C. ABELLA
Chief
Women and Children Protection Center
Philippine National Police