By Genalyn Kabiling
The cases of violence against women and children have increased early this month as the coronavirus quarantine remains in effect across the country.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In his 12th weekly report to Congress, President Duterte disclosed that as of June 11, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 4,260 "cases of violations" against women and children.
Of this number, he said there are 2,183 cases of violations against women and 2,077 cases involving children since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine on the entire Luzon mid-March.
The latest combined figures are 561 cases or 13.1 percent higher compared to 3,699 cases of violence against women and children reported by the President the previous week.
Duterte, in his 11th report to Congress, said that as of June 4, police recorded 1,945 cases of violence against women and 1,754 cases of violence against children since the ECQ took effect last March.
Amid the latest increase in cases of violence, the President has renewed the government's resolve to ensure the protection of women and children.
"The PNP Women and Children Protection Desks continue to work closely with LGUs (local government units) to ensure the rights and welfare of women and children are protected," he said.
He also said the Philippine Commission on Women also continues to monitor and assist women who are victims of abuse and violence.