Gabriela finds attacks against Cheryl Ouano abuse vs. women

Women's group Gabriela-Cebu has lambasted dyHP anchorman Joash Dignos for being a "violent commentator" for his alleged below the belt attacks on air against Cheryl Ouano, daughter-in-law of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.

"We believe that what radio commentator Mr. Joash Dignos is doing is a concrete example of violence against women," Vida Arcamo said.

Arcamo who is the secretary-general of Gabriela-Cebu has sent a letter to Ouano expressing the group's support and wishing her to be strong amid all accusations that are currently and continuously hurled against her and her family.

"Being an outsider, we do not claim to know the truth behind the accusations against you," the letter read.

Arcamo said that if Dignos believe that he has all the facts, the proper venue is the court or the Ombudsman and not over the air where Ouano is defenseless from his verbal attacks.

Also, Arcamo said that they completely share in the anger and the anguish that this must have caused to Ouano and her family.

Now that this has been done to Ouano who is educated and has a strategic position in the city of Mandaue, Arcamo inferred that this could also happen to ordinary women.

"We are completely with you in this fight against violence and abuses through verbal attacks," she said.

She is hoping that the issue will become another reason for the women of Mandaue City to rise and defend their rights by creating and strengthening women's organizations starting at the barangay level.

"It's only through our unity and collective action that we can stop violence against women," Arcamo stressed. - Gregg M. Rubio