Rape remains major concern in Cordillera

BAGUIO - The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera region is continuously conducting necessary interventions for victims of rape in the region particularly the youth who have been recorded to be the most vulnerable victims in the region.

"We continue to inform through our campaign on the implementation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 for them to know their rights once they would be victims of rape, incest rape and even trafficking," DSWDCordillera OIC regional director Janet Armas explained during the Joint Regional Peace and Order and Development Council in Abra.

Latest DSWD Car records reveal a total of 12 rape cases and seven incest served through the community based program of the department, while 10 cases of rape, five incest cases, and eight trafficking in person/victims of prostitution were saved under the residential based/ Regional Haven for Women.

"We call on all governors and heads of local government units to reactivate strongly at all levels the Gender and Development Technical Working Group in their areas and to continue lobbying for the protection of women and children", Armas said.

Police Regional Office Cordillera Plans and Operations Division head Police Superintendent Homer Penecilla identified rape as part of the eight focus crimes being monitored by the PNP.

Regional Peace and Order Council and Regional Development Council chairperson Mayor Mauricio Domogan called on the leaders of the different provinces and municipalities to emphasize valuesformation among parents.

"The parents must be reminded at all times of their neglect mandates being the first teachers of their family and children because they are the once who should teach the point values in their respective homes being home managers," said Domogan.

During the first half of this year, Armas considered the cases of rape recorded in the region to be alarming, particularly those coming from Lamut, Ifugao.