CHR condemns recent attacks on young women, including rape and murder

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it strongly deplores the recent string of attacks on girls and young women, including assault, rape and murder.

"These grave cases that repeatedly happen in various areas of the country remind us of the continuing pervasiveness of gender-based violence and how it imperils the lives of young women," it said.

The CHR said that this is the fourth consecutive month that it has monitored and taken cognizance of violence against women and young girls.

These include the killing of 19-year-old Rhea Mae Tocmo, who was found dead inside a box secured with packing tape in Cebu City on July 17.

Anna Jane dela Cruz, 17, was reported missing in Negros Oriental on July 22 and found dead the next day with a bra around her neck. Her stepfather reportedly admitted to the crime.

Also on July 22, Roselle Bandojo from Naga, Camarines Sur, a 17-year-old senior high school student, was found dead in an abandoned house after being reported missing for one week.

In Zamboanga City, Louella Jaganas Acaylar, 17, was found dead in a vacant lot in Barangay Pasabolong on July 26 with an eco bag strap around her neck.

In Dipaculao, Aurora, a seven-year-old child was allegedly raped by an older man who took her to his house.

The Commission acknowledges the local authorities' commitment to conduct a full-swing investigation into the cases. It said that CHR regional offices are monitoring their development and will aid in their resolution.

"As Gender Ombud, we continue to drum up the expedient need to create a safer environment for all, regardless of gender," the CHR said.

"We also reiterate the need to strongly implement the Anti-Violence Against Women Act to ensure that all cases of violence against women and young girls are brought to account and to prevent reoccurrence of such atrocities," it added. 

Rise in cases

The Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) acknowledged there was an increase in cases of violence but said it is continuously responding to them.

Of the 4,000 rape cases monitored from January to June, data from the PNP-WCPC showed at least 2,000 led to the arrest of the suspects. In more than 2,000 cases, the suspects were also arrested but charges have yet to be filed against them.

Over 70 are still under investigation.

“Naging maganda naman po yung response ng pulis. Marami naman pong cleared at saka solved na cases,” said PNP-WCC chief Colonel Portia Manalo.

(Our response has been good. Some cases were solved and cleared.)

The CHR, for its part, said it is also willing to provide legal assistance and other help through their hotlines.

“Ang aming mga respective offices ay nasa ground para po puntahan at kumustahin ang pamilya ng mga biktima ang the victims themselves,” CHR Commissioner Faydah Dumarpa said.

(Our respective offices are on the ground to visit and help the victims and their families.)— Sherylin Untalan/Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News