⚠️(Trigger warning: Sexual assault of a minor, rape)⚠️

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the reported rape of a nine-year old girl in an evacuation center in Zamboanga City.

According to the initial investigation by local police, the suspect, a 46-year old man residing in Barangay Tumaga, allegedly assaulted the victim in the evacuation center’s lavatory and proceeded to give her ₱50 afterwards. The suspect denies all claims. Thus far, evidence based on the medico-legal report of the victim reveal laceration and seminal fluid which point to forcible sexual violation.

As the country’s Gender Ombud, the Commission denounces all forms of sexual violence and exploitation, most especially when they involve children and minors. These outright pervasive crimes against the most vulnerable sectors have no place in civil society.

CHR, through our Regional Office IX, is conducting an independent motu propio investigation to help bring the perpetrator to justice and provide victims with necessary reparation, including protection and financial assistance. We look forward to the cooperation and partnership with local law enforcement authorities in solving this case.

We also call on the government to ensure that greater protection be accorded to women and children, particularly those experiencing internal displacement. We stress that these circumstances aggravate gender-based violence (GBV) in the form of physical abuse, rape, and sexual harassment, as well as sexual exploitation in the form of sex trafficking and post-disaster prostitution.

Finally, CHR encourages the reporting of these cases, including access to multiple forms of reporting and provision of available remedies. We likewise hope for the strengthened vigilance of police officers and the public against all forms of GBV. ###