Missing in Beijing

CEBU, Philippines — The curious case of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai hit world headlines. A banner story in sports, she mysteriously disappeared after accusing on social media a former vice premier of forcing her into sex inside his home. The Women’s Tennis Association, concerned about her safety and whereabouts, called for a full-blown investigation.

Even the United Nations echoed WTA. The International Olympic Committee attempted to pacify, claiming its president and the doubles specialist video called each other. But instead of publishing the video, the IOC released a still image of the grand slam doubles champion, stating she is “safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time.” Quoted. But not her words, it raised more questions than answers.

Shuai was not shy when she publicly accused a high-ranking government official of sexually assaulting her. If this is temerity, why the sudden timidity to assure the world she is safe and sound? Odd, she made the publicity and subsequently invoked privacy. Certainly, she agonized whether to break her silence about what she went through, but she did it just the same for the world to know. More certainly, it is far easier to say she is all right. Can’t she say it herself live and alive?

Due to mounting international pressure, several people linked to state media tweeted her undated, not necessarily updated, photos and video clips dining out and attending a tennis event. Proof of life. Smiling, but saying almost nothing. Virtually silent. Or silenced?

But the foreign ministry urged to end malicious speculation about how and where she is, insisting it is not a diplomatic or political issue. Neither. The issue is clear. A woman reported she was violated. But it appears authorities are mum about it, nothing indicates it is investigated. Accordingly, Peng did not concretize her intention. She has not filed a formal charge.

Did she just wake up one day and pressed global alarm she was sexually assaulted to invite world attention to herself? The tennis star does not starve for attention, unlike so many hooked on pseudo-fame in social media. It is her athletic excellence that gave her global attention, not pathetic invention of self-stardom. But one thing is clear. She cried for help. The world should heed.

It is not an internal matter. Just as there is nothing private about domestic violence. Just as the church cannot invoke separation from state when authorities investigate serious allegations of murder, thievery or molestation beneath solemnity. And hypocrisy.

The law is blind to faith and religion. Once it is broken, authorities should investigate and prosecute based on verifiable evidence, not on faith based on personal acquiescence. Believe in whatever it is that assures salvation of the soul, but never use faith to blur the line that separates the lawful from unlawful. And the awful, like the threat the crowned virus mutates because someone is indicted for forcing others to sex. The world knows better, except blind followers. Ludicrous.