A task force of the Ateneo de Manila University vowed that if the anonymous report of a sexual assault inside the campus is proven, it would “bear down on the perpetrators with the full force of law.”
The statement of the Head of the Sexual Misconduct Task Force of the Loyola Schools came after “a girl posted “anonymously that she was sexually assaulted in the comfort room on the 5th floor of Loyola Schools CTC building.”
“We are shocked and outraged by this report. Rape is a heinous crime and is a grave violation of a person’s bodily integrity and human dignity,” Dr. Mira Ofreneo said in a statement issued on November 24.
“No one should be made to suffer such an act of sexual violence,” she added.
Ofreneo assured that they are “taking the anonymous report seriously” and that they are “verifying the information starting with whatever leads are available from the post.”
She noted that if the report is confirmed, the task force will “bear down on the perpetrators with the full force of the law.”
Ofreneo also requested that all “remain calm and vigilant, and to avoid any speculation so as to prevent disinformation from spreading.”
She also urged those who may have witnessed any suspicious activities around the area where the reported incident happened to come forward and share whatever information they may know.
The school official, meanwhile, sympathized with the girl who posted the incident and offered to provide the necessary support and assistance.
“To the girl who reported, we are truly sorry for your pain and suffering. Our hearts go out to you and our doors are open to provide you with a safe space and the necessary support and assistance,” she said.
Moreover, Ofreneo reiterated that any form of sexual violence on campus is not tolerated.
“If verified to be true, we condemn the act and those who without conscience perpetrated such an act,” she said.
She also noted that security at the campus has been reinforced as the safety and security of everyone inside the school premises “are given paramount importance.”/ac