(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said the new law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 is a major development in the campaign against abuse of minors who are among vulnerable sectors of society.
In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos said they will intensify their information campaign to raise awareness on the protection of women and minors in support of the law.
“With this, our Women and Children Protection desks can initiate their own information dissemination regarding the importance of protecting our children from any form of harm and abuses,” Carlos said in a statement.
Carlos, meanwhile, also advised parents to start educating their children on how to protect themselves from criminal elements.
"The PNP vows to continue its programs that will educate and that will encourage the minors on fighting for their rights,” he said.
Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 4, Republic (RA) 11468 amends RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
This means any adult engaging in sexual contact with anyone 16 or under would be committing statutory rape, unless the age difference between them was three years or less and sex was proven to be consensual, and neither abusive nor exploitative.
The law, however, states that the exemption does not apply if the victim is under 13 years old.
A 2015 study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that seven out of 10 rape victims in the Philippines were children.
In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos said they will intensify their information campaign to raise awareness on the protection of women and minors in support of the law.
“With this, our Women and Children Protection desks can initiate their own information dissemination regarding the importance of protecting our children from any form of harm and abuses,” Carlos said in a statement.
Carlos, meanwhile, also advised parents to start educating their children on how to protect themselves from criminal elements.
"The PNP vows to continue its programs that will educate and that will encourage the minors on fighting for their rights,” he said.
Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 4, Republic (RA) 11468 amends RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
This means any adult engaging in sexual contact with anyone 16 or under would be committing statutory rape, unless the age difference between them was three years or less and sex was proven to be consensual, and neither abusive nor exploitative.
The law, however, states that the exemption does not apply if the victim is under 13 years old.
A 2015 study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that seven out of 10 rape victims in the Philippines were children.
Meanwhile, Carlos lauded the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (ProCor) for the arrest of a total of 43 wanted persons from February 27 to March 5.
Citing the report of ProCor director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, Carlos said that as a result of the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO), the Baguio City Police Office (CPO) recorded the highest number of arrests with 29, followed by Ifugao Police Provincial Office (PPO) with five, Kalinga PPO with four, Benguet PPO with three, while Abra and Apayao PPO have one each. (PNA)
