QUEZON CITY — Authorities have arrested a live-in couple accused of brutally abusing an eight-year-old girl, leaving her with 37 documented injuries, including bruises, scratches, broken fingernails, and a shaved head.

The child was rescued after a concerned citizen found her wandering and brought her to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. Social workers described her condition as “parang baboy na binugbog o aso na binugbog,” underscoring the severity of the abuse.

Investigators revealed that the girl had been subjected to maltreatment since she was five years old, after being placed under the custody of her father and stepmother. The child recounted being beaten with guava branches, pinned down, and even hammered.

Police immediately arrested the suspects, who claimed they were merely disciplining the child. They admitted shaving her head as punishment but denied using a hammer or causing her other injuries.

The stepmother was briefly hospitalized after reportedly fainting during detention but was later discharged with normal vital signs. Both suspects refused to face cameras and are now detained without bail.

The victim is currently under the care of social workers, receiving medical treatment and undergoing counseling sessions to recover from the trauma.

Authorities stressed the importance of swift action in cases involving children, who are considered among the most vulnerable sectors of society. “Lahat naman po ng kaso katulad nito ay kailangan pong bigyan halaga natin o aksyunan agad natin,” police officials said.

The case has sparked outrage in the community, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and stronger protection measures for children against domestic abuse.