The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) recent recommendations and swift action in response to recent grave violations and misconduct committed by several of its officers. The cases reported included the following: the molestation of a male minor inside a police precinct; the harassment of a Grade 12 female student; and the assault and robbery of a local vendor.

The alleged molestation of a15-year-old boy took place at sub-station 1 of the Las Piñas City Police last May 31. Reports indicate that the incident happened when the victim was approached by the violating police officer while his pastora mother was conducting a Bible study session inside the precinct. The cop allegedly touched the teenage boy’s upper body until he reached the boy’s private part. The officer even brought the minor inside his office and further proceeded with the harassment.

Las Piñas City Police promptly heeded the mother’s complaint which resulted in the effective arrest of the suspect. According to Las Piñas City Police Chief Jaime Santos, the suspect will face multiple child abuse charges, as well as possible removal from service and loss of benefits upon retirement.

Another minor in a restaurant in Manila became a victim of police sexual harassment. According to the 18-year old student, she was waiting for her order when the police officer sat beside her and suddenly pulled out his member. Moments later, the suspect committed lewdness on himself while facing the student. The victim’s screams thankfully alerted the barangay tanod patrolling the area and acted on the disturbance. They then brought him to the nearest police station.

The suspect, who was discovered to be a Cagayan Valley police officer, is now under the custody of the Manila Police District and will be facing unjust vexation charges.

Meanwhile, six Caloocan cops were found guilty for the assault and robbery of a vendor, as proven by CCTV footage. The vendor was apparently on his way to buy dinner for his children after receiving P14,000 cash aid from the government when the police officers cornered and physically attacked him.

PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) chief Atty. Alfegar Triambulo said that they have recommended the suspects’ dismissal from service, “They are unfit to be government personnel… police because of their wrongdoings. They were supposed to protect the property and life of this person but they mistreated him and forcibly took his money.”

CHR strongly denounces the aforestated incidents. We cite Article III, Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610 which provides that “coercion or influence of any adult” on a child to participate in lascivious conduct is deemed to be sexual abuse. We, likewise, specify Section 56 and Section 57 of The Criminal Code:
• Section 56. Molestation. Any person who shall commit an act that subjects or exposes another to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity shall be punished within level 2. If the victim is a child, the penalty shall be within level 3 (i.e. up to 10 years of imprisonment).
• Section 57. Physical assault. Any person who shall physically assault another without inflicting any physical injuries shall be punished within level 1. If the assault shall result in physical injury, the penalty shall depend on the extent of injury caused.

CHR rejects abuse of authority in any form, most particularly when it involves the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Commission will also be conducting its independent investigations to achieve justice and redress for the violations against the aggrieved citizens.

In this regard, we urge victims of sexual and physical abuse to assert their rights and report to authorities. We encourage the public to avail of the Commission’s Human Rights E-Lawyering Service for free, real-time legal advice and counseling.

CHR also counts on the steady and resolute implementation of law enforcement of legislations that protect the life and dignity of all.

FOR ASSISTANCE:
Citizens’ Help and Assistance Division
✉️ chad.pasco.chr@gmail.com
? (02) 8294-8704
?0920 506 1194 (Smart)
?0936 068 0982 (Globe)