MAGUING, Lanao del Sur — The local government of Maguing has ordered an investigation into a disturbing video circulating on social media that allegedly shows two young women, reportedly minors, physically mistreating an infant, including slapping, kicking, tossing the baby into the air, and slamming the child onto a bed.
In an official statement dated October 24, 2026, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maguing strongly condemned the alleged acts and said it had directed the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), the Maguing Municipal Police Station’s Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), and concerned barangay officials to verify the incident, identify the individuals involved, and ensure the infant’s safety and welfare.
The video has sparked concern over the alleged treatment of the child and prompted the municipal government to call for immediate intervention by the appropriate authorities.
Authorities directed to verify incident and protect infant
Mayor Fahad Delna Molok, in the statement issued by the LGU, stressed that the municipality would not tolerate any form of child abuse, violence, or exploitation.
The municipal government said the infant would be provided with appropriate care, assessment, and psychosocial intervention as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the LGU’s statement did not identify the individuals shown in the video, establish their relationship to the infant, or confirm whether the child had already been placed under protective custody. It also did not report any arrests.
The identities and ages of those involved, the location where the alleged abuse occurred, and the full circumstances behind the video remain subject to verification.
The investigation is expected to establish the authenticity and context of the circulating footage, determine the identities of the individuals involved, and assess the infant’s condition and immediate protection needs.
Possible legal action under child protection laws
The LGU said appropriate legal action would be pursued in accordance with Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and other applicable laws.
RA 7610 provides legal protections for children against abuse, exploitation, and other forms of harm. The specific criminal or administrative liability of any person involved, however, will depend on the evidence gathered and the findings of the authorities.
Because the individuals shown in the video are reportedly minors, authorities must also consider applicable juvenile justice and child protection procedures, including safeguards governing the privacy and treatment of children who may be involved in an alleged offense.
The LGU has not announced any formal charges or confirmed that a criminal complaint has been filed.
LGU urges public to stop sharing video
Alongside its condemnation of the alleged abuse, the municipal government appealed to the public to stop sharing, reposting, or distributing the video.
The LGU warned that repeatedly circulating the footage could cause additional trauma to the infant and compromise the child’s privacy. It urged people with verified information about the incident to report directly to the MSWDO or the Maguing police rather than amplify the video online.
The appeal also highlights the importance of responsible social media use in cases involving children. Sharing graphic or humiliating footage of a child can expose the victim to further harm, even when the intention is to condemn the alleged perpetrators or call for accountability.
Members of the public are therefore urged not to identify or speculate about the people involved, publish the infant’s personal information, or circulate screenshots and copies of the footage.
Mayor condemns alleged abuse
The LGU emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility and said the municipality remained committed to ensuring a safe, child-friendly, and peaceful community.
The statement also invoked Islamic teachings on compassion and the protection of vulnerable members of society, particularly children.
For now, the immediate priorities are to establish the facts, ensure the infant’s safety, assess any possible physical or psychological harm, and determine the appropriate legal response.
As of the October 24 statement, the incident remained under verification. The identities of the individuals involved, the infant’s current condition, and whether any arrests or formal legal proceedings had taken place had not been confirmed.
The municipal government urged the public to allow social welfare personnel and law enforcement authorities to carry out their investigation while keeping the child’s welfare and privacy at the center of the response.