Disappearance of women, girls: A national security concern

The alarming reports about missing women and girls have alarmed the nation. These stories are far from urban legends. They are real, and lifeless bodies have been discovered.

I once heard from an interview with the current national security adviser that human security is also a national security concern. These incidents of missing persons indeed challenge our concepts of national security. Is it a national security concern when our sisters and daughters can no longer shop or dine alone in the evening since criminals operate during dark hours? For me, national security is at stake when the government cannot prosper in its investigations and culprits are never placed behind bars.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) must secure every corner of public spaces. Female call center agents and other female business process outsourcing employees could be vulnerable to this senseless violence against women, and it is imperative for the PNP to secure areas like jeepney/bus stops and gasoline stations, and also the dark corners and alleys.

Despite enactment of laws to ensure women’s safety, misogyny is still deeply imbedded in the fabric of the nation, and it preaches to treat women as playthings—objects that crooked men can chase, rape and slay.

Girls online often give each other tips and best practices in evading kidnappers. They are telling each other the do’s and don’ts when walking in public spaces. This shouldn’t have been the case in the first place.

We have a government that is tasked to serve and protect us all and defend us, regardless of gender, from criminals.