THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing to hold webinars to re-orient its personnel on gender sensitivity and awareness, social media protocols and relevant laws.

Major General Dionardo Carlos, PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations director, made this statement in reaction to public outrage over social media posts of the Police Regional Office 13, Butuan City Police Office and Lucban Municipal Police Station.

“Mahalin natin ang mga kababaihan at huwag nyo abusuhin ang kanilang kabaitan... Kayo naman mga Ghersz (girls), wag kayo magsusuot ng pagkaikli-ikling damit at pag naman nabastos ay magsusumbong din sa amin. Isipin nyo rin,” the Lucban Municipal Police Station said in a Facebook post.

The two other police offices also made similar posts that blame victims of rape and sexual assault.

PNP Chief Archie Gamboa immediately ordered Carlos to conduct an investigation on the matter and impose corrective measures to ensure it will not happen again.

“They will be made to justify also why no administrative sanctions shall be imposed upon them for their actions despite earlier instructions to take down posts with similar content,” he said.

“The PNP strongly advocates the protection of women and children and maintains a strict set of guidelines for its personnel on the use of social media. Violators may face administrative and even criminal charges, if evidence warrants,” he added.

Carlos said the posts have been taken down by the concerned police offices.

“I also called the chief of police and asked him what corrective action was taken by him...He has identified the personnel responsible,” he said.

The PNP recently came under fire following reports that some policemen manning quarantine checkpoints took advantage of prostitutes while Metro Manila was under enhanced community quarantine, a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). (SunStar Philippines)