2021 National Human Rights Situation Report 69 from such answers that the pandemic has a great impact on the mental and psychological well-being of every child. The ‘e-dalaw’ may be the safest and most convenient way for communication at present but still it is not sufficient for the children. 260 288 From the foregoing data, the major issues that surfaced are increasing number of sexual abuse cases; the impact of COVID-19 to the cases of children pending in court and to their mental or psychological well-being; and the impact of COVID-19 to the monitoring process. 289 The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Philippines has balked at the recent decision of Metro Manila mayors to prohibit minors from going outside for two weeks to curb the spread of coronavirus, as it can be considered an infringement of children’s rights. The UNICEF said that the resolution should specify that “children of all age groups can be allowed to play and conduct sport and physical exercise in outdoor areas, as long as the required public health measures … are strictly complied with.”261 290 During the Commemoration of the World Children’s Day on 20 November 2020, the UNICEF Philippines stated that “the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a threatening typhoon season have upended thousands of children’s lives and has left many more children uncertain about their future.” This was brought about by disruptions to essential services such as education, health care, nutrition and child protection interventions; severe global economic recession; and compounding deep pre-existing inequalities and exclusion. Children’s mental health also suffered during these difficult times.262 291 AAA, fifteen (15) years old, and a Grade 5 student was walking along the streets of Agdao when she was apprehended by a tricycle driver and was brought to the barangay hall for violation of the imposed curfew. She felt dizzy because of the drinking session she attended earlier that night. AAA then alleged that while at the barangay hall, she was forcibly given an alcoholic drink (Red Horse) by barangay volunteer BBB, causing her to feel more dizzy. She was then brought to the second floor of the barangay hall. Therein, BBB maliciously kissed her from the shoulder to her neck and forced the latter to kiss him on the lips. AAA pushed BBB away which prompted the latter to leave. Morning of the following day, barangay tanod CCC took AAA and brought her to his residence. Arriving at his house, CCC instructed AAA to take a bath. Thereafter, CCC took advantage of her and sexually molested her. Further, AAA alleged that CCC tied her hands and feet with a cloth and placed a towel into her mouth preventing her from shouting. 292 A complaint of rape in relation to RA 7610 has been filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor against CCC, while a separate case was filed against BBB for Unjust Vexation in relation to RA 7610. It was learned that the victim is now under the care and custody of the Quick Response Team for Children’s Concern (QRTCC-CSSDO) and is undergoing psycho-social interventions. This case is now pending investigation. 263 293 During the monitoring, issues/concerns experienced/raised by the children during the COVID-19 Pandemic included feeling sad due to the following:264 260 (2021). Regional HR Situation Report July to December 2020. San Fernando City: CHR Regional Office I 261 Ramos, M. (2021). Preventing minors from going outside violates their rights – Unicef. Retrieved from https://newsinfo. inquirer.net/1409410/unicef-ban-on-minors-violates-their-rights 262 Commission on Human Rights National Capital Region. (2021, February). Human Rights Situation Report on Children from July to December 2020. 263 Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 11. (2021, January). Regional Human Rights Situation Report 264 Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 11. (2021, January). Regional Human Rights Situation Report