(Trigger warning: Sexual assault, rape, murder, death)
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the series of unrelated rape and sexual assault incidents targeting female minors that recently happened across the country. The deplorable acts all occurred just within a two-week time frame.
The first incident happened on 15 July in Boac, Marinduque. A couple out camping in Barangay Ihatub was reportedly assaulted by a lone suspect at around 2AM. The still unidentified man entered the couple’s tent and stabbed the 21-year old boyfriend to death. The girlfriend—17-year old “Lyn”—told police that she tried to flee but was caught and raped.
A similar attack also occurred on 17 July, 10PM in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental. Police say that two men suddenly approached the victims as they were strolling along Coastal Road and brandished a knife. Upon killing the boyfriend, they proceeded with violating the 17-year old girl. The two suspects are now in the custody of CDO City Policy Office.
The last case involves an alleged coercion and statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl by a 29-year-old male suspect who she met online. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, the two connected through Facebook and met in person on 10 July. The man then purportedly made threats about ending their relationship and releasing sensitive phots and videos of the minor if she denied him sex.
As Gender Ombud, CHR is very alarmed by the increasing frequency of sexual violence against women and children. We staunchly denounce all forms of abuse rooted in misogyny and sexism. These outright attacks against vulnerable sectors, in what is considered the most traumatic and most pervasive of human rights violations, have no place in a just and civil society.
CHR supports the ongoing investigation of the PNP to make perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
For its part, CHR, through its regional offices, is also conducting motu propio investigations for all three cases and the grant of financial assistance to the victims and/or their kin. We hope to seek truth for the immediate justice and redress for the victims.
Lastly, we call on the public to be vigilant and report any form of gender-based violence. Let us work collectively towards the categorical end of rape culture by upholding the dignity of all.
To report cases of sexual abuse, contact:
Citizens’ Help and Assistance Division
✉️ chad.pasco.chr@gmail.com
? (02) 8294-8704
?0920 506 1194 (Smart)
?0936 068 0982 (Globe)