The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has deplored the series of sexual assaults victimizing female minors.
CHR Spokesperson and Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the commission has started its own independent investigations.
De Guia also said the CHR will grant financial assistance to the victims and/or their relatives.
There were three incidents cited by the CHR. The first incident took place in Boac, Marinduque last July 15 when a young couple went camping in Barangay Ihatub and was reportedly assaulted by a lone suspect at around 2 a.m.
The suspect entered their tent and stabbed the 21-year-old boyfriend to death. The girlfriend, 17-year-old "Lyn," told the police that she tried to escape but was caught and raped.
On July 17, another couple was strolling along the Coastal Road in Cagayan de Oro City at around 10 p.m. when they were approached by two men. The suspects killed the boyfriend before attacking his girlfriend, who was only 17 years old. The suspects are now under the custody of CDO City Policy Office.
The third case involved a 13-year-old girl who was raped by a 29-year-old male suspect she met online. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group reported that the two connected through Facebook and met in person on July 10. The man reportedly threatened the girl on ending their relationship and releasing sensitive photos and videos of the minor if she denied him sex.
"As Gender Ombud, CHR is very alarmed by the increasing frequency of sexual violence against women and children," De Guia said.
"We staunchly denounce all forms of abuse rooted in misogyny and sexism. These outright attacks against vulnerable sectors, in what is considered the most traumatic and most pervasive of human rights violations, have no place in a just and civil society," she said.
"We hope to seek truth for the immediate justice and redress for the victims. Lastly, we call on the public to be vigilant and report any form of gender-based violence," she added.
The CHR's Citizens' Help and Assistance Division can be reached at their email [email protected], landline (02)8294-8704, and cellular phone numbers (0920)5061194 (Smart) and (0936)0680982 (Globe).