Antipolo: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday called for the reinforcement of community structures to safeguard the elderly, following an incident in Antipolo, Rizal where an elderly person with a disability was mocked by four men. "Let this incident be a reminder to all that our senior citizens have rights that are protected by the State. Hindi pwede yung bibiru-biruin at parang pinaglalaruan sila porke hindi na sila malakas physically para umangal (It is unacceptable for them to be made fun of or mocked just because they cannot defend themselves anymore)," Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a news release.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dumlao encouraged local government units (LGUs) to adopt the agency's Reporting System and Prevention Program for Elderly Abuse Cases (ReSPPEC) to protect the elderly and address cases of abuse. The ReSPPEC is a community-based initiative designed to safeguard the rights and safety of older persons by fostering partnerships and networks among the senior citizens' sector, stakeholders, and LGUs.

Dumlao noted that while not widespread, there are instances where older persons suffer significantly, either at the hands of family members or strangers. The ReSPPEC implements a comprehensive system at the community level, which encompasses reporting, investigating, intervening, and monitoring of the elderly, particularly in abuse cases.

ReSPPEC was initially tested in San Carlos, Pangasinan; Lambunao, Iloilo; Maco, Davao de Oro; and Valenzuela City, National Capital Region. These pilot areas established a Protective Committee for Senior Citizens and an Elderly Help Desk. Other components of the program include creating a referral network for services, developing a reporting mechanism for elder abuse, conducting an elder abuse awareness advocacy program, and building the capabilities of stakeholders.

Dumlao also mentioned that the DSWD is prepared to offer guidance and technical assistance to LGUs interested in replicating ReSPPEC in their areas to prevent elder abuse and provide necessary interventions for those at risk. "We need to give due respect to the elderly and prevent the Rizal incident from happening again," she emphasized.