CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC)-10, in partnership with the local government of Cagayan de Oro and non-government organizations, during the kickoff activity of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25, 2023, emphasized the need to remain inspired and continue the fight against VAWC.
Lawyer Merlyn B. Uy, regional prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ)-10, shared that Republic Act RA 9272, or the VAWC law, was created 17 years ago and is still being continued today. “This is a continuing fight against violence against women. Para sa ako, kinahanglan ta ma inspire kai dili ta mubuhi ani nga campaign [For me, we need to be inspired because we will not let go of this campaign],” she said.
In region 10, cases under RA 9262 involving violence against women and children since January this year total 474; meanwhile, child abuse cases are close to 500.
“Daghan pud ta’g kaso sa [we have so many cases of] rape and sexual harassment. Makita nato sa figures nga makita nato nga pinakadaghan nga kaso dinhi sa [We can see in the figures that most cases are found in] Cagayan de Oro City. We have 74 cases filed in court for this year alone,” she said.
She added that Misamis Oriental recorded the highest number of rape cases in the region, and many of them were incestuous rape. The figures would indicate that there are still so many women and girls experiencing abuse, prosecutor Uy said.
Atty Merlyn B. Uy, regional prosecutor, Department of Justice (DOJ) 10 shares RA 9272 or the VAWC law was created 17 years ago and still being continued today. “This is a continuing fight vs violence against women. Para sa ako, kinahanglan ta ma inspire kai dili ta mubuhi ani nga campaign,” she says. (Rodolfo Mendoza/PIA10)
Meanwhile, Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) executive director, shared in the 18-day Campaign to End VAW that violence against women is a global issue.
“We do this every year as a reminder that Violence against women is a global issue and we need to act together. We need to be concerted in our efforts and actions to prevent or eliminate violence against women and girls,” she said.
The theme, united for a VAW-free Philippines, #VAWFreePH, serves as a rallying cry, a call to arms for us to unite, creating a safer, more compassionate nation. It emphasizes the power of collective action and the strength of standing together, one community, one nation, against the insidious plague of violence.
“The campaign to end violence against women in unity and solidarity embarks on this crucial journey with the collective aim of building a society where women can be free from the shackles of violence and fear,” said Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Committee Chair on Education, Suzette Magtajas Daba.
The 18-day campaign is a period dedicated to raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring action towards eradicating all forms of violence against women. (JMOR/PIA-10)
