In the whole Davao region, the Police Regional Office 11 has attributed a 30.16% decrease in rape case as of January-July 2018 compared to 1st semester of 2017. However, an increase in the number of recorded rape cases does not necessarily mean that there has been an actual surge in rapes.
The latest initiatives of the PNP which has an improved crime reporting system and effective public awareness campaign resulted in significantly higher crime statistics of rape cases. The PRO 11- Women’s and Children Protection Unit- has also intensified its training and specialized courses for police personnel in order to improve their capability in dealing with women and children who are victims of abuse. Uphold gender awareness and advocacy in Davao Region specifically Davao City’s Local Chief Executive’s mandate to help them with has instituted more specific programs for them.
The specialized training complements information awareness campaign to encourage more victims to come forward and raise their issues. It also reflects higher trust and confidence of the general public towards the police.
In point of fact, number of rape cases committed outside the home has actually gone down but this victims mostly are teenagers who are outgrowth of broken homes that need social interventions and aftercare.
Incest rapes, ” We can’t police the abodes. Usually, rape cases are being committed by people who are close to the victim. And we can only do so much. The success on police intervention and successful prosecution depends on the victim’s willingness to come out. Hindi sila matutulungan ng ating pulisya kung mananahimik lang sila. What may help is promote gender sensitivity moral and family values that shows high respect for women. ” PCSUPT Marcelo C Morales said.
