CHR calls for safer environment for women, vulnerable sectors

The Commission on Human Rights(CHR) on Wednesday enjoined the government and the public to foster a safer environment for women, in the wake of the brutal killing of a 16-year-old girl in Lapu-Lapu City.

"Pagtulungan nating lahat, partikular ang mga may mandato sa gobyerno, na magkaroon ng ligtas na kapaligiran para sa lahat ng babaeng teenager at ibang bulnerableng sektor. Tiyakin natin na hindi na maulit pa ang nangyari kay Christine," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

"Napakahalaga na patuloy nating labanan ang mga pananalita, gawain, at sistemang lumilikha ng kapaligirang mapang-abuso at marahas sa mga kababaihan lalo pa ngayong Buwan ng mga Kababaihan," she added.

Further, the Commission warned the public about the fake news and wrong information against the Commission's stance on the issue.

De Guia reiterated that the CHR condemns the killing of the victim and that it already deployed a Quick Response Team on Monday to fast-track the investigation of the case.

"Hangad natin na mapanagot ang mga may sala at maramdaman nila ang buong pwersa ng batas," she said.

The victim, Christine Silawan, was found dead at a vacant lot in Lapu-Lapu City on Monday with half her face peeled off and 30 stab wounds in different parts of her body. Her tongue was also missing.

According to police, the autopsy report showed no indication that the victim was raped.

Pursuit operations are ongoing as part of efforts to identify the suspects and to put them behind bars.

A bounty worth P1 million has also been allocated by the local government for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects. — BAP, GMA News