Those controversial antirape tips

The police station of Angono, Rizal, recently gave tips on how to avoid rape on its official Facebook account but took these down after an avalanche of criticisms from netizens, women’s groups and some public officials.

What a cowardly act on the part of the Angono police!

And the police chief, Supt. Ruben Piquero, had to apologize. Que horror! What for?

For hurting the sensibilities of some prudish women?

The following are the antirape tips of the Angono police:

1. Don’t just set up a meeting with your text or chat mate especially if you don’t know the person that well.

2. Don’t wear skimpy attire. (Note: My editors would want me to use nonvulgar terms).

3. Don’t walk alone in dark or isolated areas.

4. If you go on a date, don’t drink alcoholic beverages with your newfound friend.

5. During a date, don’t leave your drink unattended because your date might lace it with drugs that will make you drowsy or unconscious.

6. If possible, learn self-defense.

7. Bring tear gas or pepper spray or anything that will temporarily disable your attacker.

8. Don’t panic, be calm. Think of a way to escape being raped.

9. Shout for help.

10. Seek police help.

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So, dear readers, what’s wrong with the reminders?

Feminist groups like Gabriela said the antirape reminders were “victim-blaming” or putting the blame on rape victims.

The Angono police station was just issuing reminders on how to prevent rape.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the antirape reminders were “gender insensitive.”

“Clothes don’t cause rape. Rapists do,” the good senator said.

1. That’s like saying guns don’t kill, people do.

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Many years ago, the wife of a foreign diplomat was nearly raped right inside her own house at Forbes Park, Makati City, by the family gardener because she was seen walking around naked in the living room.

I’m not making up that story. It’s in the Makati police files.

A crime is committed because of two elements: One is need and the other, opportunity.

Without both elements, a crime cannot take place.

The late Court of Appeals Justice Elias Asuncion once advised women who go out at night to wear tight-fitting denim pants so would-be rapists would have a hard time getting off their undergarments.

Asuncion was a judge who had heard many rape cases, before he became an appellate court magistrate.

Therefore, he knew whereof he spoke.

Why, oh why, did the Angono police retreat in the face of Gabriela and Senator Hontiveros?

Gabriela is a party-list group that purports to defend the rights of women. It has won two seats in the House of Representatives.

Gabriela, however, is fond of attracting attention to itself.

Read more about this in my blog, ramontulfo.org.