Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), advised all its personnel to ensure that all crime prevention reminders are presented in a clear, proper and gender-sensitive messaging.

Nartatez acknowledged the significant changes in mass communications as he emphasized that crime prevention tips, especially those that includes minors and cases relating to sexual assault, must consider all factors to prevent misinterpretation.

He said these messages could be consulted with personnel from the Women and Protection Desk, or experts from the academe and non-government organizations.

“The mass communication landscape has significantly changed compared to before and we in the PNP should be mindful of these changes through trainings and consultations with as many stakeholders to keep up, to be relevant and come up with the best and effective messaging,” said Nartatez.

“We must be mindful of the concepts and words to make sure that our social media posts help raise awareness, protect the public, and prevent further harm,” he added.

The directive came amid concerns from sectors about gender-based crime prevention tips that are being posted on PNP social media accounts, particularly on observations that the tips sound like victim-blaming.

Nartatez maintained that the police only wanted to help raise awareness about rape and prevent such crimes.

He stressed that the PNP’s public information efforts should support these objectives without creating further misinterpretations or appearing to place responsibility on victims.

Nartatez further emphasized that the police would continue to strengthen operations to prevent rape incidents across the country, “The PNP will also focus on enhancing patrols, improving emergency hotlines and response, and making psychological and legal support more available to victims.”