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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez orders stronger enforcement of 'Bawal Bastos' Law in police stations

Nartatez orders stronger enforcement of 'Bawal Bastos' Law in police stations

Published Mar 6, 2026 05:12 pm
(File photo: Philippine National Police)
(File photo: Philippine National Police)
Police personnel nationwide were directed by the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tighten the enforcement of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, especially as the country observes the International Women’s Month this March and the International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed commanders, especially those in municipal and city police stations, to strengthen mechanisms for handling complaints against gender-based harassment.
“Part of our mandate is to ensure protection of the vulnerable sectors of our society. And this must come with an assurance of reliability and quick response in cases of calls for assistance relating to gender-based harassment,” he said in a statement on Friday, March 6.
The Safe Spaces Act, widely known as the “Bawal Bastos” Law, expanded the country’s definition of sexual harassment as it penalizes acts committed not only by persons in authority but also by peers, colleagues, and strangers.
Harassment under the law may occur in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and online platforms.
Nartatez said police units must intensify public awareness campaigns in their areas of responsibility and these efforts should be carried out in coordination with local government units and other stakeholders.
He said the initiative forms part of the police force’s campaign against emerging forms of gender-based sexual harassment.
“We want to assure our kababayan of the gender responsiveness of our existing protocols and procedures in handling cases of harassment and intimidation against women and other vulnerable sector of our society,” he said.
The PNP chief stressed that police officers serve as frontliners in protecting women and vulnerable sectors in all spaces.
In pushing for stricter enforcement, Nartatez said police visibility and quicker response to harassment complaints would also reinforce public confidence in law enforcement.
He added that stronger implementation of the law sends a clear message that violations will not be tolerated.

Related Tags

PNP Bawal Bastos Law Safe Spaces Act gender-based harassment
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