The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday slammed the killing of a 15-year-old girl who earlier filed an act of lasciviousness complaint against a police officer in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.
“This experience again puts into light the vulnerability of women and children to gender-based violences, especially during the pandemic. Many of stories remain unreported until we hear their horrors of struggle out in the open,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.
De Guia added the CHR Region I would conduct an independent investigation on the incident.
CHR meanwhile recognized the Philippine National Police’s quick action on the incident as PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa already ordered Internal Affairs Service to relieve from service the accused police officers immediately.
PNP said murder complaints had been filed against suspects Police Staff Sergeants Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda.
“We hold on to our police force’s commitment to ‘serve and protect’ our rights and, if needed, ensure accountability for the indignities committed even if the perpetrators are among their ranks,” De Guia said.
Also read: Police identify three possible suspects on Jang Lucero’s killing
CHR condemns killing of Ilocos Sur teen
PNP Women and Children Protection Center reported a total of 804 gender-based violence and violence against women and children from March 15 to April 30 during the first half of 2020, De Guia said. She added the real number of cases could be higher than what the PNP reported.
The CHR urged all concerned agencies to ensure the protection and safety of women and children in full compliance with international and domestic laws and standards.
“Primarily, proactive women and child protection measures and services must remain operational and strengthened during this period of heightened vulnerability. We hope to see a stop in the incidences of gender-based violence,” she said.
The 15-year-old victim was killed after unidentified suspects shot her while returning home from a police station in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.
The victim went to the police station on Thursday to file a formal complaint against two police officers who allegedly raped her, according to relatives of the victim.
The teenager was riding a motorcycle along with her uncle and brother when another vehicle hit them at Barangay Daclapan.
After the collision, the suspects shot the victim, who sustained wounds in various parts of her body.