Kalibo PNP: Don’t hesitate to report abuses on women, children

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Women-victims of abuses by their husbands or live-in partners and children by adult offenders are encouraged to report the crimes to Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).

WCPD is tasked to investigate, handle and file appropriate cases involving crimes committed against women and children. 

Police Officer 3 Merilyn Rello of Kalibo police station also assured the victims that “WCPD adopts the policy of privacy of the victims and confidentiality on all cases referred to them.”

From January to March, violations against women and children accounted for 57 cases under Republic Act 9262, figures from Kalibo police station showed.

RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act of 2004 recorded 21 offenses against women on January while February and March had 18 cases each.

Of the cases cited, majority of the women had experienced physical abuse from their husbands. Sexual violence, psychological and economic abuses were also reported by women to Kalibo police.

Moreover, violations on Republic Act 7610 or “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act” also recorded 31 cases from January to March. Violations against children involved psychological and physical abuses committed mostly by adult offenders or children.

January had 10 cases compared to February with 13 cases and eight cases for the month of March. Last January, two rape cases were also reported in Kalibo police WCPD.

“Stop the abuse, Report the incidents against women and children to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD). Uniformed police officers are on duty 24/7,” Rello said in a  police radio program for the Women's Month celebration. 

She stressed the victims are also afforded with protection and extended with assistance by government agencies especially minors being referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for proper counselling.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.