Policeman's attack vs girlfriend 'deplorable, unacceptable' -- CHR

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has described as "deplorable" and "unacceptable" as it condemned the attack by a policeman against his girlfriend during a birthday party in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. A video of the attack and pointing of a gun by police corporal Louie Jay Lumancas against his girlfriend Shaira Basmayor Kahar has been circulating in social media and has reached the attention of the CHR. In a statement, the CHR said the incident last April 10 is a clear violation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). "Violence against women, as a form of gender-based discrimination, must be eradicated through all means possible," the CHR said. "CEDAW mandates States to take measures to prevent and protect women from all forms of violence, and to ensure that those responsible for such violence are brought to justice," it stressed. It lauded the swift action by the Kidapawan City Police Office on the arrest of Lumancas who has been charged administratively and criminally.  Lumancas has also been relieved of his post. "We urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is held fully accountable in line with the rule of law," the CHR said. It called for the strict enforcement of Republic Act No. 9262, the Violence Against Women and Children's (VAWC) Act, and encouraged the government to adopt more measures that would protect women and children from all forms of violence and promote gender equality. "It is unacceptable that women continue to be subjected to violence and abuse, especially by those who are supposed to uphold and protect the law," the CHR said. "We stand with Kahar and all victims of gender-based violence and call for justice, redress, and the full protection of their rights," it added.