ILOILO City – From January to August this year, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) recorded 322 cases of rape – 28.91 percent lower than last year’s 453 cases reported in the same period.
At 103, Negros Occidental has the most number of rape cases so far.
Iloilo province recorded 86 cases while Capiz, 32.
In 2019, Iloilo province reported 132 rape cases while Negros Occidental had 115 and Capiz had 51.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a big factor in the drop, plus continuing government campaign against rape, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson.
“Especially during the enhance community quarantine, parents and guardians stayed home, and those below 21 years old were not allowed to go out. They did not have time to hang out with friends,” said Malong.
She reiterated that police stations remain open to receive complaints on rape, abuse and violence against women and children.
“We encourage the public to report to their nearest police station incidents such as these so that we can act on them,” said Malong./PN
