Trigger warning: Murder, rape, killings, assault

As Gender Ombud, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounces and calls for justice for the recent series of separate heinous violence committed against women in various areas in the country.

In Antipolo City, the dismembered body parts of a woman who was reported missing were found under a bridge in Barangay dela Paz and in Barangay San Jose on 9 June 2023. The victim’s partner confessed to the crime after a few days.

In Aklan, a 19-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds was found dead in a creek in Barangay Torralba in the town of Banga on 14 June 2023. On the same day, the naked and bloodied body of a woman was found in a canal in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

In Caloocan City, a 21-year-old woman was found buried in a vacant lot in Barangay 171, North Caloocan on 16 June 2023. The suspect is the boyfriend of the victim. In her testimony, the suspect’s sister disclosed that her brother strangled the victim out of jealousy.

As CHR conducts its parallel and independent probe on all the cases above, we call for the prosecution of these cases to ensure justice for the victims and their families. These grave violations remind us of the continuing vulnerability of women and the prevalence of gender-based violence against them in the hands of intimate partners and strangers alike.

There is a need to strengthen the teeth of laws that aim to protect women. We reiterate the need for the strong implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Anti-Rape Act to demonstrate that all cases of violence against women are swiftly acted upon and to deter similar offenses.

As a party to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it is also expedient that the government continues to take proactive efforts to raise awareness and amplify campaigns that seek to prevent all forms of discrimination and violence against women. The active involvement and vigilance of all sectors of society are also enjoined to truly cultivate a culture of respect and create a safe space for all women.

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