Belinda (not her real name) sought help from the ‘Payong Kapatid’ segment to address the harassment and threats she has been receiving from her ex-boyfriend.

According to Belinda, she has already ended their relationship, but her ex refuses to accept her decision.

“May mga ginugulo siyang mga tao para maka-reach out sa ’kin,” she shared. “Kapag nagkikita naman po kami, nananakit naman po siya.”

The situation escalated when her ex started issuing death threats, targeting not just her but also her loved ones.

“’Pag hindi ko siya sinunod, papatayin niya ‘yung nanay ko, ‘yung mga kapamilya ko, mga kaibigan ko, ‘yung mga kakilala ko,” she said.

Belinda expressed her fear and frustration over the relentless harassment but remained firm in her decision not to reconcile.

“Hindi ko na po alam ‘yung gagawin ko para tumigil na po siya, kasi ayoko na po talagang makipagbalikan sa kanya,” she said.

Senator Pia Cayetano, together with her legal team, provided advice to Belinda regarding the steps she could take to protect herself.

The first step suggested was obtaining a Barangay Protection Order (BPO). This is a legal remedy issued by the barangay to protect victims of domestic violence or abuse and is effective for 15 days. It is part of the protections under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (Anti-VAWC) of 2004 (RA 9262).

Alternatively, Ate Pia and her lawyers suggested that Belinda could file for a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) from the court. This legal remedy under Anti-VAWC provides immediate protection while the court deliberates on a longer-term solution, such as a Permanent Protection Order (PPO).

The program accompanied Belinda to her barangay to file a complaint. The local authorities assured her they would coordinate directly with the barangay where the respondent resides to ensure the case progresses appropriately

‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.