Gabriela: Cops top perpetrators of violence vs women, kids

MANILA, Philippines — A women's rights group accused members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are the top perpetrators of violence against women and children, or VAWC, in the country.

Party-list group Gabriela said Thursday that policemen are among those behind violence based on reports it received and monitored.

Other government authorities who made the list are the Armed Forces of the Philippines, village officials, the United States military, politicians and the Presidential Security Group, the group added.

The group's report is based on cases gathered from 2010 up to the third quarter of 2014, showing there were 42 cops allegedly involved in VAWC incidents.

Of the total cases, 30 are attributed to the military, 14 to local officials, 13  to politicians, nine to American servicemen and two to the President Benigno Aquino's security personnel.

Obeth Montes, Gabriela deputy secretary general, said that PNP personnel have been in the news for various crimes against women, with some officials tagged behind cases of rape and domestic violence. 

"We are very sure that aside from these highlighted cases, there are more women-victims out there who are keeping silent out of fear for their lives," Montes said.

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In a picket in front of the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, members of Gabriela carried placards saying "PNP: Bantay salakay!" twitting the agency's motto, "To serve and to protect." 

"How can they serve and protect women when they themselves are the number one perpetrators of violence against women?" Montes said.