The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has vehemently denounced as "grave violations of human rights" the series of rape cases reported in the country involving minors.
But what is more alarming about the cases, the CHR pointed out, is the fact that most of the rape suspects are family members of the victims.
This means that their homes, which should be a sanctuary of love and safety, tragically became the setting for the heinous crimes, it stressed.
The CHR collated the recent cases with the first incident involving a 15-year-old Metro Manila student reportedly raped by a motorcycle rider who offered her a ride and even took her to a restaurant before committing the heinous act.
The second case involved a man in Manila who was arrested for allegedly raping his own 14-year-old daughter for two years. The victim admitted that it was her uncle who first raped her in 2022.
The third suspect was a man from Calamba City in Laguna. He reportedly raped his niece when she was only 10 years old and continued to do so until she turned 17. The man escaped authorities and went to Bicol, only to continue his crimes by raping his partner's three minor daughters.
Next was a man from Argao, Cebu who was arrested after raping his 14-year-old daughter on multiple occasions. The victim confessed to her sibling about the rape. The sibling reported the incident to their grandmother and later the authorities.
The fifth case involved a 19-year-old man who was arrested in Marikina after raping his own seven-year-old sibling. The victim was also reportedly raped by her cousin and uncle.
The sixth suspect was a man arrested in Quezon for reportedly raping his minor stepdaughter since 2015. The victim is now pregnant and expects to have the baby in June. Sadly, the victim's youngest sister is also a victim of rape by the same man.
Another rape victim was a 12-year-old girl, who was victimized by her own godfather, a tricycle driver. Police reports said that the victim hid the incident from her own parents but confided to her friends.
The eight rape victim was a young girl who was found shirtless and blooded in a grassy area in General Santos City.
Finally, the ninth victim was an 11-year-old girl who had been missing for several days but was found in a dense area in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte. Police said that the victim might have been raped before being killed. The suspect, 20 years old, is reportedly a relative of the victim and has now surrendered to authorities.
"The following recent cases illustrate the alarming scope and severity of this issue," the CHR said as it stressed that "robust action" from the government is needed to protect children and ensure justice for the victims.
"These nefarious crimes should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Such acts not only inflict immense pain and suffering on the victims and their families but also undermine the most fundamental right of everyone -- the right to a dignified life," the CHR said.
On rape suspects as family members of the victims, the CHR said: "This reality compounds the trauma experienced by the victims, as they are betrayed and violated by those whom they should trust the most. The lifelong repercussions of such abuse extend far beyond the physical harm, often causing lasting emotional and psychological scars."
It urged authorities to hold the perpetrators fully accountable for their actions in accordance with the rule of law. For its part, the CHR vowed to continue sounding the alarm denouncing these atrocities.
At the same time, the CHR urged rape and abuse victims and their families to speak out against the injustices they have faced. While it requires great courage to come forward, the CHR said that it is the only way to seek justice and accountability.
"CHR stands ready to offer assistance and support. No one should suffer in silence and together, we can break the cycle of abuse and violence against women and children," the CHR also said.