OUTSTANDING. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (2nd from left) and Donate Philippines president Myrna Reyes (3rd from right) lead the awarding of outstanding 'Juanas' of the police force in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (March 4, 2024). The PNP also reaffirms its commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for success. (Screengrab)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday paid tribute to the invaluable contribution of its female members to society and to nation-building.
During the National Women's Month celebration kick off rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. called on the police force to reaffirm its commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for success.
"Together, let us champion the capabilities of women in shaping a more just and equitable Philippines,” he said.
A total of 10 female PNP personnel were recognized as ‘Juanas’ with good deeds after displaying heartwarming acts beyond the call of duty:
--Maj. Rowena Jacosalem- Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR)
--Maj. Rhoan Joy Cabusi- Special Action Force (SAF)
--Capt. Resel Guevarra- National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)
--Lt. Genevie Keith Victorio- Headquarters Support
--Cpl. Shela Rosarito- NCRPO
--Cpl. Eden Hernandez- Engineering Service
--Pat. Geraldine Bumakkit- SAF
--Pat. Jelly Banawa- SAF
--Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) Janette Ordinario- Police Regional Office 2
--NUP Perlita Herminado- DPCR
“We also take this moment to extend our gratitude to the PNP Gender and Development (GAD) advocates and stakeholders for their pivotal role in promoting gender equality within our organization and communities,” he added.
The PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) also launched the “Project Aleng Pulis Everywhere”, which reflects a commitment to community engagement and proactive policing, and aims to foster a harmonious relationship with the community and ensuring continuous nationwide presence.
In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo called on women anew to report any form of violence in Women and Children Protection Desks in police stations.
“Gusto po natin iparamdam sa lahat ng sulok ng ating bansa ay pupwedeng may malapitan po ang ating mga kababayan lalo na po yung women’s and children po namin na nakararanas po ng mga hindi lang pang aabuso kungdi any concern relating to their rights ay maari po nilang malapitan ang ating PNP personnel, particularly yung ating mga kababaihan dahil kapag ang kaso ay very senstitive case particularly yung mga pang aabuso, medyo mahihirapan po tayo makuha yung mga pangyayari kung ang mag-iimbestiga po ay mga kalalakihan (We want to make sure that our countrymen can approach the cops, especially our women's and children who are experiencing not only abuse, but any concern relating to their rights. They can approach our PNP personnel, particularly our women, because when the case is a very sensitive case, particularly those of abuse, it will be a bit difficult for us to get the facts if the investigators are men),” Fajardo told said.
Fajardo said the PNP recognizes the role of policewomen in its effective response to crimes concerning women as well as children.
Currently, 30 percent of the 232,000 strong-PNP are composed of women.
The first all-women police station was established in Siquijor while Basilan has an all-female weapon and tactics team.
Meanwhile, PNP Women and Children Protection Center director Brig. Gen. Portia Manalad said they will continue to step up their information drive and other measures that would prevent violence against women in their homes.
The activities, she said, also focus on fighting acts of lasciviousness.
“We will also intensify the service of arrest warrants and our advocacy campaign to raise the awareness even in the farthest communities in the country,” Manalad said in a separate radio interview.
In 2023 alone, Manalad said they recorded 2,644 cases of violence against women but not all of the suspects were charged in court after some couples agreed to set aside their differences and reunite.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will also honor its female troops through a series of activities in line with this year's theme of "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan".
An exhibit dubbed as, “HERStory of Women, Peace, and Security in the AFP” was also launched that will showcase milestones in women empowerment and gender equality programs in the military.
A fun run advocating for welfare, equity, and efficiency through GAD is also set on March 23, while a Senior Leader’s Forum on GAD shall give a platform for the closing ceremony of the month-long celebration on April 2.
“Over the course of time, the AFP has been a strong supporter of gender and equality, as proven in the pursuit and execution of the AFP Gender and Development. Further, the AFP has made concrete actions in implementing gender-responsiveness policies to address inequality,” AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said in a statement. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
