4-year-old Boy Joins ‘Penitensya’ Goes Viral (Photos & Video)

Photos of a 4-year-old boy participating the traditional “penitensya” in observance of Holy Week is currently making rounds online which dominated as the most talked about topic in various reports and blogs.

4-year-old boy-pinetensya
Photo Credit: ABS-CBNnews.com

Some netizens drew concern and others went outrage after seeing the little boy taking part on the traditional belief by flogging their backs until they turn red.

Although it is a common sight in Barangay San Pedro, Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga, several Bayan Patrollers shared some photos to ABS-CBN News which features a boy with shrouded face and whose back covered with blood participating on the Good Friday ritual.

Aside from photos, ABS-CBN News was also able to retrieve a video which shows the boy lying flat on the ground with his face down and has been flagellated by an adult.

Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo (BMPM) has forwarded the video to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region 3 for necessary investigation.

According to information officer Evelyn Manalo, the father of the child was unaware that his 4-year-old son joined the penitents and the mother of the boy was at work at that time.

The 4-year-old boy told DSWD that no one ordered him to join the “penitensya” and was only playing.

Based on the examination conducted by the authorities, the kid found no scars or bruises on his back. DSWD-Region 3 Director Adelina Aposto said that even if the child did not accumulated injuries, it was not right to have the child participated in the custom.

DSWD stated that they are currently investigation regarding the incident involving the 4-year-old child whose name is withheld.

Click here to watch the video as 4-year-old boy joins ‘Penitensya’

4-year-old boy-joins-pinetensya
Photo Credit: ABS-CBNnews.com

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