By Genalyn Kabiling 

Malacañang is alarmed by the rise in the cases of domestic violence since the coronavirus lockdown across Luzon was enforced in March.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque admitted the government’s concern about the cases of violence against women and children and assured the public that President Duterte’s commitment to enforce laws to ensure their protection

"Taga-implement ng batas ang ating Presidente. Kapag tumataaas ang mga krimen, ang domestic violence ay isang krimen sa ating bansa, naaalarma tayo (The President is the enforcer of the law. When crimes like domestic violence increase, we are alarmed), he said during a Palace press briefing.

Roque also noted that the Philippine National Police and Department of Social Welfare and Development have been mobilized to extend assistance to victims of domestic violence. "Naagkakaroon tayo ng hotlines sa DSWD, sa PNP kung saan pupuwede humingi ng tulong ang mga biktima (DSWD and PNP have hotlines where victims can ask for assistance)," he said.

The country's cases of violence against women and children have reportedly jumped to 4,260 last June 11 from 3,699 cases recorded in June 4. The status of such cases have been part of the President’s weekly report to Congress on the implementation of the Bayanihan law.

The President in his 12th weekly report to lawmakers, said as of June 11, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 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.

Duterte, in his 11th weekly report, reported that police recorded 1,945 cases of violence against women and 1,754 cases of violence against children as of June 4.

The President has affirmed his commitment to ensure the protection of women and children in his latest report to Congress.

He said the PNP Women and Children Protection Desks continue to work closely with local government units to ensure the rights and welfare fo women and children are protected. The Philippine Commission on Women also continues to monitor and assist women who are victims of abuse and violence.