Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa tasked the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR) director, Maj. Gen. Dionardo Carlos to investigate the victim-blaming social media post of Lucban Municipal Police Station.
Lucban Municipal Police Station (MPS) posted girls should not wear short clothing and then complain of sexual harassment to them.
“Kayo naman mga gherlsz, wag kayo magsusuot ng pagkaikli-ikling damit at pag naman nabastos ay magsusumbong din sa amin. Isipin nyo rin! (And for you girls, don’t wear skimpy clothes because if you were harassed, you would be seeking our assistance. Think about it!) ‘” the Lucban MPS posted on June 11.
The said post trended and drew criticisms in social media for allegedly being sexist and victim-blaming.
“The police chief of Lucban Municipal Police Station and all personnel who may be involved will be made to explain why they allowed posting of such statements in their social media account that elicited negative reactions from the public for implied victim-blaming,” according to the PNP release on Saturday.
“They will be made to justify also why no administrative sanctions shall be imposed upon them for their actions despite earlier instructions to take down posts with similar content,” it added.
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The PNP chief said the agency strongly advocates the protection of women and children. It also maintained stringent guidelines when it comes to social media use, Gamboa added.
“Violators may face administrative and even criminal charges, if evidence warrants,” he added.
Carlos, meanwhile, said his office has immediately ordered the Lucban MPS to take down the post.
“I also called the COP (chief of police) and asked him what corrective action was taken by him. According to him, he is made to explain thru channel what transpired that led to the soc-med posting by his unit. He has identified the personnel responsible,” Carlos said in a separate statement.
He added that all PNP social media staff had been reminded to follow protocols on posting online information strictly.
“As part of the corrective measures, DPCR will conduct webinar to train and/or reorient the personnel on gender sensitivity and awareness,” Carlos said.
According to CNN’s latest report, from January to October 2018, someone is raped every hour in the Philippines.