A screenshot of the person with disability (PWD) being abused in a public transport. The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday (June 13, 2025) condemned the inhumane actions inflicted against the PWD and vowed to help put the perpetrators to justice. (Screenshot)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strongly condemned the recent violent assault against a person with disability (PWD) aboard a public transport vehicle, calling it a blatant act of inhumanity and vowing to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement released Friday, Edwin Morata, director of DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), expressed outrage over a viral video showing multiple individuals violently attacking a PWD, who was visibly distressed and defenseless.
“There is absolutely no excuse for what they did. They beat, kicked, punched, and even electrocuted someone who clearly needed compassion and understanding. It was cruel and inhumane,” Morata said in Filipino.
He emphasized that PWDs belong to one of the most vulnerable sectors of society and are under the State’s protection. “The government is committed to ensuring their rights and welfare are upheld. Acts of violence like this set back our collective goal of empowering PWDs and giving them equal footing in nation-building,” he added.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a whole-of-government approach in supporting persons with disabilities, the DSWD is now coordinating efforts to locate the victim and provide him with immediate medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
“Beyond the physical injuries, we must help him cope with the emotional trauma caused by this horrific attack,” Morata said.
He also urged the public to come forward with any information about the attackers and report them to law enforcement or directly to the DSWD. “This kind of cruelty cannot go unpunished. Whether the victim is a PWD or anyone else, this is a clear case of abuse,” he stressed.
The DSWD reminded the public that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected under the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (Republic Act No. 7277), which prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal access to public accommodations.
Additional penalties also apply under the Revised Penal Code for physical abuse, with harsher sentences depending on the severity of the harm inflicted. If the victim is a minor, the offense may also fall under Republic Act 7610, which protects children from abuse and exploitation. Verbal or non-verbal abuse against a PWD is also punishable under Republic Act No. 9442, which outlaws ridicule and humiliation of persons with disabilities.
“This isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a moral one. We must stand together as a society that values dignity, empathy, and justice,” Morata concluded