CHR starts probe of killings of women in Visayas, Bicol

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it was investigating several cases of rape and murder of young women in Cebu City, Negros Oriental and Naga City—the fourth consecutive month in the year that the commission recorded cases of violence against women and girls.

In a statement, CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said the commission “strongly deplored” the cases, noting these suggest the “continuing pervasiveness of gender-based violence and how it imperils the lives of young women.”

“As Gender Ombud, we continue to drum up the expedient need to create a safer environment for all, regardless of gender,” he said. “We also reiterate the need to strongly implement the Anti-Violence Against Women Act to ensure that all cases of violence against women and young girls are brought to account and to prevent reoccurrence of such atrocities.”

His statement comes after reports of an elderly man who raped a 7-year-old in Dipaculao, Aurora province, last week.

The suspect supposedly brought bread for the child, then took her to his house where he allegedly raped her and warned that she would see an “aswang” (monster) if she told anyone.

This rape case followed a series of murders of young women, including a 17-year-old senior high school student from Naga City in Camarines Sur.

The student was last seen on July 22 when she was asked to buy food for dinner. She was later found dead in an abandoned house after being reported missing for a week.

In Zamboanga City that same week, another 17-year-old girl was found dead in a vacant lot in Barangay Pasalobong with an ecobag strap around her neck.

While the victim was discovered still wearing her clothes and pants, a pair of underwear was seen near her body.

Local authorities will do an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the victims from Naga and Zamboanga.

Found in a box

In Cebu City on July 17, authorities also discovered the body of a 19-year-old woman inside a box secured with packaging tape.

Initial reports from police indicated that the woman was possibly tortured before she was killed.

On July 23, another 17-year-old girl was found dead with a bra around her neck at Barangay Caidiocan in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Apart from its independent probe, the CHR has also committed to help the victims’ families and to assist in investigations by local authorities.

While it is the duty of the government to strengthen programs and policies that protect women and children, “collective action and vigilance from citizens and communities are also necessary to truly cultivate a safe and caring environment for all,” Palpal-latoc said.

—KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING