CHR condemns rape of minor in shelter

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl at an evacuation center in Zamboanga City.

City local police said the suspect, who is a 46-year-old man and a resident of Barangay Tumaga, assaulted the victim in the evacuation center’s lavatory and gave her P50 afterwards.

Police noted that despite denial by the suspect, medicolegal report of the victim showed laceration and seminal fluid, which proves that there was forcible sexual violation.

In a statement, the CHR said “it denounces all forms of sexual violence and exploitation, most especially when they involve children and minors.”

”These outright pervasive crimes against the most vulnerable sectors have no place in civil society,” CHR stated.

According to CHR, an independent motu proprio investigation is being conducted to provide victims with necessary reparation, including protection and financial assistance.

It said CHR Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) is helping to bring the perpetrator to justice and provide victims with necessary reparation, including protection and financial assistance.

”We look forward to the cooperation and partnership with local law enforcement authorities in solving this case,” CHR added.

The commission also called on the government to ensure that greater protection be accorded to women and children, particularly those experiencing internal displacement.

”We stress that these circumstances aggravate gender-based violence (GBV) in the form of physical abuse, rape and sexual harassment, as well as sexual exploitation in the form of sex trafficking and post-disaster prostitution,” CHR stated.

Meanwhile, the CHR has encouraged the reporting of similar cases, including access to multiple forms of reporting and provision of available remedies.

”We likewise hope for the strengthened vigilance of police officers and the public against all forms of GBV,” the statement said.