AT LEAST 76 cases of violence against women and their children were recorded in the first two months of the year by the Police Regional office–Cordillera (PRO–COR).
In the weekly “Police Mo, Kaibigan Mo” radio program, regional Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) head Police Major Michele Bagayong said 36 cases in January and 40 cases were reported in February.
Baguio City had the most cases with 35 followed by Benguet Province at 25.
“These cases were recorded because the female victims now are aware of their rights to which we encourage other victims to come forward for us to be able to assist them in filing cases against the suspects,” Bagayong said.
The WCPD listed attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness as the leading violations under Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children.
On cases committed against children, rape has the highest case with 33 followed by intentional mutilation with 19 while 19 other acts of abuses were reported.
“We want to inform our constituents that women should continue to fight for their rights, we should speak out for our protection because if we continue to keep silent, we will always be victims of violence,” Bagayong said.
The RA 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 is an act expanding the definition of the crime of rape, reclassifying the same as a crime against persons, amending for the act no. 3815, as amended, otherwise known as the revised penal code.
Rape under paragraph 1 is punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment while rape under paragraph 2 will be punishable by prison mayor or the duration of the penalties of prision correccional, suspension and destierro shall be from six months and one day to six years, except when suspension is imposed as an accessory penalty.
RA 9262 is an act defining violence against women and their children, providing for protective measures for victims, prescribing penalties therefore.
Penalty for “psychological violence” under RA 9262 is a minimum of six years up to twelve years of imprisonment. The maximum penalty is imposed if the violence is committed by the husband or the intimate partner against the woman when she is pregnant or in the presence of their children.