Man charged for threatening boy with circumcision

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY - A 50-year-old man was charged before the court here after he allegedly "threatened" to circumcise a four-year-old boy.

Bernardo Ong was charged with child abuse after he allegedly instilled fears in the child for his constant joking of circumcising him each time he saw the latter, said Assistant City Prosecutor Gilberto Batayola.

The accused is allowed to post a R20,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Batayola said Ong's constant teasing has psychologically affected the child who cries every time he sees a pair of scissors in their house because the accuse would always show him a pair of scissors whenever he makes the teasing.

The boy's mother had asked Ong many times to stop threatening her son with circumcision, but the respondent continued with his jokes.

Batayola said Ong could be held liable under Republic Act 7610, the law that provides special protection for children.

A psychologist, who was consulted by the boy's parents, said the child has been suffering from stress due to the threats of the respondent.