By the Philippine News Agency and MB Online
The Angono police publicly apologized over a public statement it posted online on tips to prevent rape, which some critics said included inappropriate and misogynist content.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Angono Police Office chief Senior Supt. Ruben Pequero said it is sending out its heartfelt apologies to those offended by its statement titled "Paalala Para Makaiwas sa Rape".
"Ang amin pong intensyon ay mapaalalahanan ang lahat para maiwasan po na maging biktima ng insidente ng rape (Our intention is to remind everyone to avoid becoming a victim of rape)," the Angono, Rizal police said on its Facebook page.
A number of critics earlier denounced the police station warning which included such suggestions as "do not wear skimpy clothes" and "do not drink during dates".
The reminders included practical pieces of advice such as being cautious on first dates with persons one is unfamiliar with and avoiding dark streets when alone.
Just before the Angono Rizal Municipal Police Station posted an apology, Women’s party-list Gabriela advised the Angono Police on Wednesday to take down the public advisory on Facebook as it implies “gross misinformation on rape” where it suggests that it is the woman’s fault for getting raped, instead of punishing the committer.
“We are correcting the Angono PNP: Wearing short skirts does not cause rape. Getting drunk does not cause rape. Rapists do cause rape. The misogynist exhortations by the President do cause rape,” the party-list said.
The party list added that this “rotten mindset” carried by the state authorities embolden perpetrators to commit rape and puts women in a difficult situation.
Read more: Angono cops’ rape prevention tips assailed on social media