Trigger warning: Sexual assault, rape, murder, death
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly deplores the recent separate cases of rape and violence committed against young girls and women.
In Atimonan, Quezon, a 7-year-old was found dead inside a sack wearing no underwear in the afternoon of 2 March 2024. Based on CCTV footage, the young girl was last seen with the 20-year old male who first reported about finding the remains to the authorities under the guise of a concerned citizen.
Another minor was allegedly molested by her “ninong” in Manila. Agents of the Women and Children Concern Section of Manila Police pursued the suspect in Cavite and arrested him based on statutory rape charges.
In Tarangnan, Samar, a grisly crime was committed against a 31-year-old woman. She was raped, killed, burned, and chopped before her remains was thrown to the sea. Local authorities have arrested a male suspect who confessed to the crime.
A woman from Alfonso, Cavite was allegedly repeatedly molested and raped by her own father. Based on the account of the daughter, the abuse resulted to pregnancy, which she was forced to abort due to threats from her father. PNP Calabarzon, through their Regional Intelligence Division, arrested the suspect on 2 March 2024.
As Ombud for Children and Gender, the CHR Regional Offices in NCR, IV-A, and Region VIII are conducting independent probes on the cases to monitor their development, help pursue accountability, and aid in their resolution. CHR acknowledges the prompt efforts of the aforecited local authorities in pursuing the alleged perpetrators and filing charges against them.
The Commission continues to sound the alarm on the unabated frequency of sexual abuse and violence committed against girls and women. Rape and sexual crimes are grave violations to human dignity. It defiles a person’s bodily integrity and sexual autonomy, physical and mental health, personal security, freedom, and life.
In observance of Women’s month, it is crucial to highlight the importance of addressing gender-based violence to truly uplift the plight and dignity of girls and women. While law enforcement measures are commendable, it is equally important for the government to sustain and strengthen programs and campaigns that will build a culture of respect and care for women and young girls. Communities and all stakeholders also have essential roles to play in creating safes spaces and being involved in measures that help prevent gender-based violence. ###
To report emergency cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) and gender-based violence, contact the PNP Women and Children Protection Center’s Facebook page or mobile number at 09197777377.
To report cases of sexual abuse, contact:
CHR Citizens’ Help and Assistance Division
✉️publicassistance@chr.gov.ph
(02) 8294-8704
0920 506 1194 (Smart)
0936 068 0982 (Globe)
To report violations of the Safe Spaces Act and street harassment in public and online spaces, visit the CHR’s Bawal Bastos portal: https://bit.ly/ReportBawalBastos