The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office in Calabarzon is now conducting a motu proprio probe into two separate alleged rape incidents involving police officers in Laguna and Cavite.
“The Commission welcomes and acknowledges the swift action demonstrated by the Philippine National Police and the regional trial court. We note that both suspects are now facing criminal and administrative charges for the alleged human rights violations. To aid the progress of these cases, CHR is open to explore areas of cooperation with concerned agencies in order to ascertain the truth and deliver justice, including the provision of financial and legal assistance for the victims,” the CHR said.
“The Commission reiterates that, as primary duty bearers, government must continue to fulfill its obligation to protect women and children from human rights violations and abuse.
All forms of gender-based violence, especially those committed against the most vulnerable, must be acted upon with exigency. We look forward to the resolution of these cases, as well as further reforms from government in making support and remedies more accessible to the victims,” it added.
The first suspect, a PNP master sergeant in Regional Office 4A, allegedly raped his three-year-old daughter in Cabuyao, Laguna, and was in possession of illegal drugs.
In Cavite, the Tagaytay Regional Trial Court Branch 18 Judge Minelli Carvajal issued a warrant of arrest against a non-commissioned cop after receiving a formal complaint filed by the rape victim’s guardian.
The policeman surrendered and turned over his firearm to the Silang police station.
