Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – Violence against women and children (VAWC) cases across Bicol provinces have decreased by 13.54 percent from January to May, compared to the same period last year, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Wednesday.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said in a statement in the given period, 673 cases were recorded which is 211 lower than the 884 cases in 2021 generated on the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s crime information, reporting, and analysis system (CIRAS).
"The downturn can be attributed to the series of programs undertaken by the PRO5 to empower women to stand for their rights and seek immediate assistance from authorities," Calubaquib said.
Among the most numbered incidents recorded were acts of lasciviousness, rape, violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262, or the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004" and violation of RA 7610, or the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."
PRO-5 facilitated a specialized course on the investigation of crimes involving women and children which intends to enable policewomen, and children protection desk officers to handle cases more effectively.
Unit commanders also initiated best practices to cater to issues and concerns in handling cases such as OPLAN KASALI KA: “KArahasang Sekswal Ating Labanan, Isumbong sa KApulisan” strategy implemented by the Catanduanes police office to address sexual abuse cases against women and children so that the community shall have a safer place to live with.
"Dialogue, information dissemination, and lectures are likewise being conducted to the different barangays to ensure immediate protection to the victims-survivor," she added.
“We shall endeavor to undertake proactive measures to protect women and children from all forms of abuse and exploitations. We will continue to work harder to sustain this decrease by beefing up our efforts from the regional headquarters down to the lower units. I also urge the community to be one of us in ending VAWC," Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes, PRO-5 director said in a statement. (PNA)
