TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – The intensified and expanded campaign to raise more awareness on violence against women and children (VAWC) spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has helped reduce the number of rape cases in the province. 

Records from the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) show a 52 percent dip in rape cases this year, from 31 cases in January to March last year to 15 in the same period this year.

“This is due to the strengthened campaign to get women victims talking and reporting the transgression to the local elected officials, police, and the courts,” said Police Women and Children’s Protection Desk chief Capt. Mildred Taga-amo. 

Starting last year, the BPPO has expanded its information drive against VAWC by bringing the campaign down to the barangays where they hold assemblies. 

PNP has also been holding public dialogues to help gain more advocates of women’s and children’s rights in the communities.

However, Taga-amo said the current number of cases is still a cause for concern. 

“The figure is still high considering that with the 15 rape cases, it boils down to five cases per month,” said Taga-amo during the recent joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council. 

BPPO operations manager Lt. Col. Joseph Berondo said that of the 15 cases reported this year, two have been solved, wherein the perpetrators have been identified and the appropriate case has been filed in court. 

Eight of the cases have also been cleared, or authorities have already identified the suspects but have yet to issue the appropriate warrants. (RAHC/PIA Bohol)