The Commission on Human Rights expresses grave concern over two separate incidents of sexual abuse against minors in Quezon City and the reported abduction, rape and killing of two girls in unrelated cases in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
On 30 April 2023, in Brgy. San Bartolome, a man allegedly approached a 14-year-old girl in front of a sari-sari store and proceeded to molest her. The victim told of the attack to her father, who then sought assistance from the Quezon City police.
On the same day in Quezon City, a complainant from Brgy. Matandang Balara discovered that her hired house helper had been sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy while coercing them to watch pornographic videos in the complainant’s own house. She immediately reported the incident to local authorities.
On 01 May 2023, Quezon City police tracked down and apprehended both suspects.
Two other victims of sexual assault in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, met a worse fate. In Brgy. Apokon, the body of a nine-year-old girl was found on 20 April 2023, four days after she was last seen taking her younger sister to school. According to Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, an autopsy confirmed that the nine-year old was sexually assaulted before she was killed.
On 25 April 2023, in Brgy. Magugpo North of the same city, local officials discovered the body of an 18-year-old working student. She was last seen three days earlier in a CCTV footage within the premises of a convenience store. Reports say that she was able to send a message to colleague that she was raped. The victim’s body is set to undergo autopsy.
Investigations to identify and apprehend the suspects behind these two unrelated cases of abduction, rape, and killings in Tagum City are still ongoing.
For its part, CHR has mobilized its regional offices to help bring the perpetrators to justice and offer assistance to the victims’ families for all cases cited above.
Observing that these incidents occurred shortly after another spate of rape and violence targeting children [1], CHR, as Gender Ombud and Ombud for Children, renews its call for action from all levels of government to reinforce measures against violence and sexual abuse of youth and children in fulfilment of the state obligation under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as under domestic laws, such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, among other human rights instruments.
In this regard, the Commission acknowledges the Davao del Norte and Tagum City local authorities’ respective pledge of investigation and the strengthening of law enforcement for the immediate restoration of law and order within the area.
CHR stresses that, while enforcing the law is one way to protect women and young girls and boys alike, initiatives must engage the whole-of-society in promoting a culture of responsibility, respect, and care towards the weak and vulnerable sectors, such as women and children. In the same vein, communities, families, workplaces, and schools should be capacitated to detect signs of sexual abuse, report observed cases, and create safe spaces for these vulnerable groups.
CHR is willing and ready to assist government in fulfilling its obligations in pursuit of a society where children are free to enjoy their youth and participate in their communities without fear of violence and abuse. ###
[1] Statement of the Commission on Human Rights strongly condemning the spate of sexual abuse and violence targeting children
https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-strongly-condemning-the-spate-of-sexual-abuse-and-violence-targeting-children/