Over 3,600 cases of violence against women, children reported since lockdown – Duterte report

MANILA, Philippines — A total of over 3,600 cases of violence against women and children have been reported to authorities since the government imposed an enhanced community quarantine on the entire Luzon mid-March.

President Rodrigo Duterte in his 11th report to Congress on Monday said that as of June 4, 2020, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 1,945 cases of violence against women and 1,745 cases of violence against children.

“The PNP Women and Children Protection Desks are working closely with LGUs (local government units) to ensure the welfare of women and children are protected,” the report read.

It added that the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), through the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women (VAW) and their Children Secretariat has been actively responding to relevant inquiries received through various electronic platforms.

“More, the PCW continues to implement its VAW Referral System which provides for a national mechanism for monitoring and reduction of gender-based violence,” Duterte said in his report.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns over the possible surge in domestic abuse amid the lockdown.

“Because of the proximity in the home and added stress due to economic hardship brought by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Filipino women and children who are living with their abusers become more vulnerable to violence,” Hontiveros added.

“This is extremely worrying,” she further said.

The senator cited global reports on the rising incidence of domestic abuse in cities and countries that have implemented similar quarantine measures.

“The lockdown should not allow us to become lax in securing the safety of women and children,” Hontiveros earlier said.