Group documents 33 cop abuses vs women under Duterte admin
MANILA, Philippines — Center for Women’s Resources has documented 33 cases of violence against women committed by policemen since President Rodrigo Duterte took office.
Fifty-six cops were involved in these cases, which range from catcalling, acts of lasciviousness to rape, the latest data from CWR revealed.
Of the 33 cases, 13 involved victims who are 17 years old and below. Almost half of the cases monitored (16) were on rape, while seven cases were on acts of lasciviousness.
The data bank and research institution for women added that 12 cases were-drug related, which means the victims were drug suspects, relative of drug suspects or who were assaulted during drug-related operations.
“It is appalling how the authorities become bolder in committing abuses against women and minors. This only exemplifies the Duterte administration’s low regard for women’s rights,” CWR executive director Jojo Guan said.
Results of CWR’s monitoring came on the heels of the arrest of rookie cop Eduardo Valencia over accusations of raping a drug suspect’s 15-year-old daughter.
Valencia was quoted as saying in a viral tweet that rape is common practice among arresting officers in exchange for the freedom of drug suspects. This prompted angry comments against the police on social media.
National Capital Region police chief Director Guillermo Eleazar denied this, saying what Valencia meant was it is “normal” for officers to be accused of crimes by those they arrest.
Only 1 case of dismissal
CWR has only documented one case of dismissal from service due to involvement in abuse against women, while the rest have either been dropped or not pursued.
It also noted that most of the police officers involved have been only relieved or transferred to a different police station.
“Disturbingly, the culture of impunity is more rampant. Abuses against women continue because these scalawags are able to get away from their crimes. When the abuses continue and the perpetrators remain scot-free, this shows how the government protects and covers up their messes,” CWR said.
It called on the PNP to release the list of police involved in abuses against women and minors and to reveal the status and results of the probes conducted.
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