Section 19. Protection of Victims and Witnesses. - In addition to existing provisions in Philippine law for the protection of victims and witnesses, the following measures shall be undertaken: (a) The court shall take appropriate measures to protect the safety, physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of child victims and witnesses. Pursuant thereto, the court shall give due regard to all relevant factors, including age, gender and health, and the nature of the crime, particularly where the crime involves sexual or gender-based violence or violence against children; (b) The court shall protect the privacy of child victims and witnesses and observe confidentiality consistent with existing rules on examination of child victims and witnesses; (c) Where the personal interests of the child victims are affected, the court shall consider the child victim’s views and concerns in accordance with established rules of procedure and evidence; and (d) Where the disclosure of evidence or information may be prejudicial to the security of the child, witness or the family, the prosecution may withhold such evidence or information and instead submit a summary thereof consistent with the rights of the accused to a fair and impartial trial. Section 20. Reparation to Victims. - In addition to existing provisions in Philippine law and procedural rules for reparations to victims, the following measures shall be undertaken: (a) The court shall follow the principles relating to the reparations to, or in respect of, child victims, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, taking into consideration the scope and extent of any damage, loss or injury suffered by child victims; (b) The court shall make an order directly against a convicted person specifying appropriate reparations to child victims, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation; and (c) Before making an order under this section, the court may invite and shall take account of representations from or on behalf of the convicted person, child victims or other interested persons. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prejudice the rights of child victims under national or international law. Section 21. Immunity from Suit for Persons Providing Assistance. - Any person who shall take custody of children involved in armed conflict to ensure their safety or provide them any form of assistance shall be exempt from any civil, criminal and administrative liability: Provided, That the person taking custody shall report it to the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), the PNP or to the barangay office within forty-eight (48) hours from custody. CHAPTER VII REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION, RESCUE AND RELEASE

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