Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines— The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region IV-A and VII are currently conducting “independent and parallel” investigations into two recent rape cases: one of a 16-year-old in Naga City in Southern Cebu and another of an 8-year-old in Lucena City, Quezon.
Naga City police have already filed charges as of Friday against five boys suspected of having gang-raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
Meanwhile, Lucena City police previously reported that the suspect in the 8-year-old’s rape slay had committed suicide inside the city’s jail on Sunday.
“CHR welcomes the aggressive efforts of the local police of Lucena City and Naga City to investigate and gather evidence to be able to file charges against the perpetrators,” said the human rights body in a Wednesday statement.
“We also recognize the psychosocial support being provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to surviving victims in Naga City. We hope that both families of the victims are also receiving the necessary social, financial, and psychological assistance,” it added.
CHR also alerted that June marks the third month it has “monitored and took cognizance” of a series of rape cases involving minors.
“As the Ombud for Children and Gender, we staunchly denounce the unabated frequency of sexual violence committed against girls and children. Rape and sexual crimes, especially those committed against vulnerable minors, are a grave attack to the dignity, bodily integrity and sexual autonomy, physical and mental health, personal security, freedom, and life of a person,” asserted the commission.
Inquirer has requested information on the monitored rape cases and the CHR’s independent investigations but has yet to receive a response as of writing.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously reported 1,593 cases of rape were committed nationwide within the first three months of the year alone.
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