CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Northern Samar Gender and Development (GAD) advocates have called on all sectors of the province to collaborate in educating women and children about gender-based violence.
Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Chief Police Capt. Nuncia Formaran reported that rape cases in 2024 reached a total of 101, an increase from 67 cases in 2023. This indicates a 66 percent rise compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the WCPD recorded 47 cases of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). This number increased to 51 cases in 2024.
Incidents of lasciviousness increased from 23 cases in 2023 to 26 cases in 2024. Under Republic Act 7016, also known as the Child Abuse Law, 17 cases were documented in 2023, rising to 23 cases in 2024.
“Perpetrators know no time in doing this kind of violence, and this is quite alarming as it shows an increase every year,” Formaran said.
She then urged the GAD team and local officials to review policies addressing the rising violence against children aged 10-20.
She emphasized parental responsibility in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent exploitation.
She also called on the Municipal and Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (MPCPC/BCPC) to activate their councils and offer accessible assistance for those in distress.
Dr. Venus J. Cardenas, a board member of the Women’s Initiative for Social Development in Northern Samar, noted that while there are government programs to protect women and children, better enforcement is needed as not all councils are functional.
She emphasized that effective implementation of gender-sensitive programs from the municipal level down to the barangays can help minimize abuse cases.
Cardenas also urged women and children facing violence to speak out, seek help, and take action, reinforcing that these steps contribute to women’s empowerment.
(TBC, PIA Northern Samar)
