The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is alarmed over the alleged rape of detainees in Marikina City during the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the protection of human rights cannot be compromised even in the face of a national health crisis, and this also applies to persons deprived of liberty.
“All individuals under investigation or involuntary restraint have the right against all forms of threats and violence. These rights are made available the moment an arrest or detention, with or without a warrant, is made,” she said.
This is why the CHR was appalled when reports surfaced that two police officers of Marikina City allegedly committed gender-based violence with the rape of female detainees.
De Guia said that the crime allegedly committed by the police officers against women detainees only shows how women and girls are often victimized by different forms of gender-based violence.
“Gender-based violence against women detainees stresses the importance of keeping our response mechanisms functional; otherwise, we leave many women and girls without recourse during this health crisis. This is even more urgent for women who are in vulnerable situations like women in detention,” said De Guia.
While the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has already acted on the case and has placed the two accused officers under arrest, the CHR said that there should be consistent monitoring and accountability to ensure that the incident will not be repeated.
“We also reiterate our recommendation that local government units (LGU) update their referral pathways for gender-based violence. That in cases where primary hospitals are overburdened, alternative secondary health care facilities are provided; that LGUs inform communities and service providers of updated referral pathways, including shelter support; and that, in cases of women in detention, information on the procedures for filing of complaints within institutions is reiterated and emphasized,” she said. (Charina Nicole Ong Ki)