marlyn go,
Abuse. Sexual harassment. Rape.
There are women in the Philippines who have experienced these inhumane acts from their fellow men. Yet to whom would they turn to if the law implementers themselves are also those who violate them?
Recently, news about women who accused Philippine National Police (PNP) officers of raping them circulated in the media. Others claimed further that they were forced to do lewd acts in exchange for the safety of their loved ones or themselves.
These claims were not unsubstantiated. The Center for Women's Resources (CWR) found that from January 2017 to July 2018, there were 8 cases of rape, 3 cases of act of lasciviousness, and 1 case of harassment which all involved police officers.
“The high number of state-perpetrated violence against women is very alarming. It only reflects how abusive the authorities have become under a regime that sends signal of impunity to its armed forces and blatantly disregards women’s human rights,” said CWR executive director Jojo Guan.
Although PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said that he is taking action on the situation by giving the involved policemen punishment they deserve, it is alarming indeed, especially since PO1 Edgardo Valencia, who was arrested for raping a 15-year-old daughter of an alleged drug suspect, claimed that such an event is nothing new in the operation of the PNP. Although there is insufficient evidence to support his claim, it has affected the views of the public towards the PNP and has also stained the reputation of all our policemen, even the innocent ones.
With more of these events, the lesser the amount of trust there is that we have for our policemen. The public will no longer see them as their protectors, but as their predators if such events would continue.
The policemen who were accused of these violations have humiliated not only themselves, but also their badges and troops along with the oath they took to serve and protect the nation. They have ignored the responsibility of a policeman which means that one should protect, respect and serve the people of your country. They are no different from convicted criminals who committed various crimes.
But as earlier said, there are still a few innocent policemen who are just caught up in this mess. Therefore, it is these policemen’s responsibility to restore the image of the PNP by doing their duties, following the law, and setting a good example to other fellow policemen and people. They should not stay silent once they witness their comrade commit a crime, and should immediately stop or arrest them.
The PNP is supposed be the role model of the nation when it comes to abiding by the law. They are the ones whom we are supposed to trust and believe in. It is imperative that they restore their dignity not only for their own sake but also for the sake of this crying nation.//by Marlyn Go
Opinion: Humiliating badges
Abuse. Sexual harassment. Rape.
There are women in the Philippines who have experienced these inhumane acts from their fellow men. Yet to whom would they turn to if the law implementers themselves are also those who violate them?
Recently, news about women who accused Philippine National Police (PNP) officers of raping them circulated in the media. Others claimed further that they were forced to do lewd acts in exchange for the safety of their loved ones or themselves.
These claims were not unsubstantiated. The Center for Women's Resources (CWR) found that from January 2017 to July 2018, there were 8 cases of rape, 3 cases of act of lasciviousness, and 1 case of harassment which all involved police officers.
“The high number of state-perpetrated violence against women is very alarming. It only reflects how abusive the authorities have become under a regime that sends signal of impunity to its armed forces and blatantly disregards women’s human rights,” said CWR executive director Jojo Guan.
Although PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said that he is taking action on the situation by giving the involved policemen punishment they deserve, it is alarming indeed, especially since PO1 Edgardo Valencia, who was arrested for raping a 15-year-old daughter of an alleged drug suspect, claimed that such an event is nothing new in the operation of the PNP. Although there is insufficient evidence to support his claim, it has affected the views of the public towards the PNP and has also stained the reputation of all our policemen, even the innocent ones.
With more of these events, the lesser the amount of trust there is that we have for our policemen. The public will no longer see them as their protectors, but as their predators if such events would continue.
The policemen who were accused of these violations have humiliated not only themselves, but also their badges and troops along with the oath they took to serve and protect the nation. They have ignored the responsibility of a policeman which means that one should protect, respect and serve the people of your country. They are no different from convicted criminals who committed various crimes.
But as earlier said, there are still a few innocent policemen who are just caught up in this mess. Therefore, it is these policemen’s responsibility to restore the image of the PNP by doing their duties, following the law, and setting a good example to other fellow policemen and people. They should not stay silent once they witness their comrade commit a crime, and should immediately stop or arrest them.
The PNP is supposed be the role model of the nation when it comes to abiding by the law. They are the ones whom we are supposed to trust and believe in. It is imperative that they restore their dignity not only for their own sake but also for the sake of this crying nation.//by Marlyn Go
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