Benguet top cop vows less rapes

NEWLY installed Provincial Police Director of Benguet committed to focus his programs on the reduction of incestuous rape cases.

Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Azurin revealed that apart from rape, he will focus his programs on minimizing illegal drugs, illegal logging, and will help the vegetable dealers deliver their goods on time. He added he will also extend help to pocket miners in marketing their products.

He explained these focuses of his programs in the province were identified by Governor Nestor Fongwan as major problems in Benguet.

Meanwhile, Board Member Nelson Dangwa revealed to Azurin that there was information sent to him of a sex trade ongoing in Abatan, Buguias. He said the information alarmed him on the safety of women in the town. With this, he asked the new director to check on it.

Azurin promised to investigate on the matter soon.

On July 4, 2012, bad news shook most of the people in Benguet when newspapers, television and radio stations broadcasted the province topped the region’s list with the highest number of rape cases.

The Cordillera police then reported an increase in rape cases in Benguet from January to March 2012. Benguet has 13 cases, Baguio City and Ifugao followed with six cases each, while Abra logged eight cases, followed by Apayao with four cases, Mountain Province with two and a lone case in Kalinga.

The rapes cases in the region were recorded at 49 for 2012 wherein it decreased from 2011’s 67 cases on the same period. Governor Nestor Fongwan earlier revealed most of the rape cases were incestuous wherein family members and relatives are the most rapists.

Azurin replaced the then director Benjamin Lusad. The new director is a native of Benguet.