Councilor Don Bagatsing from the city’s fourth district said the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) must operate on a 24-hour basis and manned by well-trained and competent police officers.
In pushing for the DVU, Bagatsing stressed that there has been an increase in the number of domestic abuse cases reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"Domestic abuse does not only affect the spouse, but also affects the children because of mental trauma," Bagatsing said.
He noted that the WPD, being the premiere agency that protectd Manila residents from crime, has an obligation to help victims of domestic abuse by arresting the guilty party.
Bagatsing also pointed out the need for the community’s commitment to stop domestic violence since the city government alone cannot stop it.
Under the set up, the WPD will coordinate with barangay officials, community leaders, educators and religious institutions to raise the awareness of the community about the perils of domestic violence. – Cecille Suerte-Felipe