PNP eyes deployment of more female cops to respond in VAWC cases
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing the deployment of more female police officers in responding to cases of Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC).
This developed amid reports of increasing number of VAWC cases that are reported in the government’s national emergency hotline, or the Unified 911.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the increase in the number of women calling for assistance shows growing trust in the system, “We see women becoming more aware that help is just a call away.”
According to a recent report by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), more women have been calling the Unified 911 system to report VAWC incidents, signaling a rising confidence that authorities will respond promptly.
In 2025 alone, the Unified 911, which merged more than 30 local numbers into a single nationwide system, received over 5,000 calls on VAWC. Now, the hotline handles around 300 to 500 VAWC calls monthly for faster and coordinated emergency response.
To sustain this momentum, the PNP is prioritizing the deployment of more women officers in barangays to assist victims.
Nartatez said this aims to provide a more empathetic and specialized response during delicate situations, adding that strengthening 911 response units, specifically for VAWC cases, is also part of the immediate agenda.
“Our units are on standby 24/7 to respond immediately. The Unified 911 system removed the barriers,” said Nartatez.
“By adding more women cops in the field, we hope victims feel safer in seeking help. This is not just about response. It’s about building trust and giving hope to those who need it most,” he added.