ILOILO – Cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) in the province saw a significant drop in the first quarter of 2021.
Data from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) showed VAWC cases between January and March decreased by 29.35 percent from last year’s in the same period.
VAWC incidents in relation to Republic Act (RA) 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004) reached 50 this year – 34.21 percent lower from last year’s.
For rape, 34 cases were recorded this year compared to the 42 cases logged in the same period in 2020.
Acts of lasciviousness this year stood at seven, down from last year’s 11 cases.
For violation of RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, 51 cases were recorded in the past three months. In the same period in 2020, the province had 72.
Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of the IPPO, attributed the decrease to the information campaign of the police and local government units.
“They are now aware of the penalties should they commit VAWC,” Gorero said.
An offender may be imprisoned and obliged to pay P100,000 to P300,000 in damages.
The length of imprisonment depends on the gravity of the crime.
The top cop also sees the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – that has prompted work-from-home and distance learning setups – as an opportunity for the family to “further their bond and relationship.”
Moreover, Gorero appealed to the public to immediately report any cases of VAWC in their communities.
“We don’t want the children or husband or wife being abused. We have to arrest those who violate the law,” Gorero stressed./PN
