Residents near the coastal area take temporary shelter at the evacuation center in Palo National High School, Palo, Leyte, as Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ (international name Haiyan) maintained its strength midday Thursday as it headed towards Eastern Visayas. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Nancy Binay has expressed alarm and grave concern over reports of rape and other crimes against women and children in areas battered by super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).
“I have received reports of rape and other crimes committed against women, girls and children in the areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. This is very alarming and I express my grave concern over the apparent breakdown of moral values and civic order,” Binay said in a statement on Thursday.
Aside from ensuring that survivors of the disaster would get basic necessities such as food and shelter, the senator said the national government should also safeguard the rights of women, girls and children.
Senator Nancy Binay INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Binay called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to send in more personnel to maintain peace and security in the affected areas.
“We know from previous experience here in the country and around the world that in times of disasters, women, girls and children are among the vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. We need to ensure that the vulnerable are safeguarded and taken care of,” she said.
“There is a need to augment forces in the ground, especially at night, as even the AFP and PNP staff (personnel) in the areas were also affected by the calamity,” the senator added.
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