TABUK CITY, Kalinga(PIA) — Recognizing and reporting abuses is crucial in preventing and putting a stop to gender-based violence. It also helps end the cycle of abuse and is strongly encouraged not only for the victim but also for bystanders or witnesses.
“Masapul nga i-report tayo dagituy kasi kaasi met diay biktima. Haan tayo nga ammu baka paulit-ulit suna nga biktima. Reporting latta kuma tapnu maiwasan, ma-stop dagituy nga violence,” said Health Education and Promotion Officer II Alona B. Bagtang of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO).
(We need to report the cases because the victims are pitiful. We don’t know if they are abused multiple times. We should report to prevent or stop these violence.)
“Chiefly, we encourage reporting, hindi lang ho ng biktima, pati rin ‘yung mga tao na naka-witness ng pang-aabuso. Pakikipagkapwa-tao rin lang naman ‘to at kasi nga sabi natin, family is the basic unit of the society. Kapag failure ang isang pamilya, lahat tayo naapektuhan,” OPHO Population Program Officer IV Christel Joanna Callangan added.
Based on police data, there were 63 reported cases of gender-based violence in Kalinga in 2024. Of the figure, 28 were rape cases; 13 were Acts of Lasciviousness; 15 were violations of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004; six were violations of RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; and one was a case of violating the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act.
Bagtang said many cases go unreported due to fear, shame and stigma especially since perpetrators are often relatives of the victims themselves.
The OPHO is working on ending this culture of silence with the implementation of the “JUANA BE WAIS: Communicating Violence and Injury Prevention” playbook, which focuses on raising awareness about gender-based violence, encouraging reporting, training stakeholders to respond to cases, and strengthening support for victims, among other initiatives.
Callangan said that as part of the program, they are equipping adolescent-friendly health facilities across the province and the Women and Children Protection Unit at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital to provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial services to victims of violence.
Reporting channels
Victims and witnesses are urged not to be afraid to report abuses as authorities are ready to help and cases will be treated with confidentiality.
Callangan said individuals may report to the police through their Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), to the barangay via their Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Desk, or to city or municipal social workers.
“Sa barangay meron tayong tinatawag na VAWC desk. Halimbawa ho sa barangay, busy sila, may session sila tapos may isang nag-report, i-stop ho nila kung ano ang business of the day nila, bibigyan ho nila ng priority ‘yung report. Ganun din ho ang gagawin nila sa kapulisan sa WCPD nila,” she said.
Callangan said there are also private sector partners providing shelter to abuse victims, like the Tabuk City Refuge of Hope and the Abong da Bobai. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
