Eleazar vows to strengthen barangay-level intervention to prevent violence vs women
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and senatorial candidate Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and senatorial candidate Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar vowed to push for barangay level intervention in the protection for women against domestic violence and other forms of harassment and threats.
Eleazar explained that neighbors and barangay officials are certainly aware who in their community are victims of domestic violence but would choose to remain silent over the wrong perception, especially in rural communities, that it must be kept private between a couple.
“Marami pa rin sa ating mga kababaihan na pinipili na manahimik at magtiis kesa humingi ng tulong dahil sa maling kaisipan na domestic problem ito na dapat lutasin sa bahay o kaya naman ay nahihiya na aminin na sila ay sinasaktan,” said Eleazar.
He said he had numerous personal experiences with domestic abuse when he was still in the police service.
In some instances, local police would only be aware of a domestic violence case once the victim is hospitalized, or in worse cases, killed by their male partners.
“Mula sa mga Marites sa barangay hanggang sa mga barangay official ay alam nila kung sino ang biktima ng domestic violence sa kanilang lugar at ito ang ilalaban natin na sa barangay level pa lang ay magkaroon na ng intervention upang maprotektahan ang ating mga kababaihan,” said Eleazar.
“Kung mayroong women and children protection desk sa mga police station, gawin natin ito sa barangay level dahil sa mga barangay hall naman usually pumupunta para magreklamo. Alisin din natin ang maling perception sa mga barangay officials na ang pananakit sa asawang babae ay away mag-asawa na hindi nila dapat pakialaman. Dapat pro-active din sila dito,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar’s highlighted the need for intervention and tougher measures against violence against women after actress Ana Jalandoni was physically abused by her boyfriend, actor Kit Thompson. Photos have circulated online showing the victim’s face full of bruises.
READ: Ana Jalandoni speaks up amid assault allegations against Kit Thompson
“Yung mga ganitong klaseng lalaki do not deserved to be loved by women. Matapang pala siya eh bakit hindi niya ilabas ang tapang niya to someone of his own size and gender?” said Eleazar, as he lauded the Tagaytay City police for quick action to rescue Jalandoni.
“Yung mga ganitong klaseng pananakit is also dangerous dahil kung sa bahay ito ginagawa at sa harap halimbawa ng mga bata, nagkakaroon ng maling kaisipan ang mga bata na normal lang ito sa mag-asawa,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar said that women should neither be afraid nor feel embarrassed to seek assistance if they are victims of domestic violence, threats and other forms of harassment.
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