Negros oriental: The number of violence against women (VAW) cases in Negros Oriental has dropped significantly this year compared to last year, a police official said on Wednesday. Capt. Helen Grace Aldirete, chief of the Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), attributed this decline to strengthened campaigns, collaboration, increased awareness, and commitment to the rights of women.
According to Philippines News Agency, Aldirete revealed during a forum that from January 1 to November 25 this year, a total of 295 VAW cases were recorded in the province. She pointed out that this figure is much lower than the 424 cases recorded during the same period last year. Aldirete presented data indicating that of the 295 cases this year, violations of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 were the most common, with 239 cases. This was followed by acts of lasciviousness with 17 cases, rape with 25 cases, and the remaining cases involved other violations and abuses against women.
She further explained that 221 of these cases involved victims who declined to press charges. Out of these, 43 cases were cleared, 29 were either filed or resulted in the arrest of perpetrators, and three cases are still under investigation.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency after the forum, Aldirete expressed concern that many of their clients visiting the office are wives who are hesitant to pursue cases against their husbands. Meanwhile, she highlighted that the VAW campaign has been extended to the barangay level, with officials and community members actively participating in programs to protect women from all forms of violence and abuse.
The 'Ligtas na Bahay, Ligtas na Pamilya' campaign is a barangay-level initiative that emphasizes safety, early reporting, and community vigilance against violence targeting women. Additionally, police hotline numbers, online reporting channels, and text reporting for VAWC cases are now fully operational at police stations, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of reporting mechanisms.
