Inday Sara focuses on programs to address rape problem, asks critics 'What have you done to help?'

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has acknowledged the report of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on rape cases recorded in the city.

She further stated that a local study showed that many rape cases were incestuous in nature and that the problem is being addressed by the city government.

"In 2017, this fact has been taken up in the Davao City Peace and Order Council (DCPO), where it was discovered that many of these cases where incestuous rape or rape by someone who has a close relationship with the victim such as a neighbor or a friend," she said in a statement issued by Davao City government Information Officer Jefry Tupas.

She added that the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has been tasked to do a research and to implement programs to address the rising incidence of rape.

"There have been several interventions conducted by the City Government and its partner agencies. One of these interventions, and the most effective of which, targeted communities where children are taught about sexuality and sexual abuse, including when a touch by a family member is no longer appropriate and acceptable," said Duterte-Carpio.

DCPO City Director Alexander Tagum, citing the Rape Data of the Women and Children Protection Desk Investigation and Detection Management Board reported that with the government intervention, it was noted that there was a significant drop in the incidence of rape cases from 120 in the period of January to June 2017 to 95 in the same period in 2018.

"This positive effect of government action should not be lost in the repertoire of the President and the attacks by those who hate his guts and humor. I can truthfully say that there was action and positive effect," said Duterte-Carpio.

"And I pose this question to all who seemingly want to see Davao City fail — what have you done to help?" she added.

Duterte-Carpio was referring to the critics of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued a controversial remark on the PNP report that Davao City had the highest number of reported rape cases in the country.

"Ingon sila nga daghang rape ang Davao. Basta daghang guwapa, daghang rape (Ang sabi nila marami raw rape sa Davao. Basta maraming maganda, maraming rape)," he said during a speech at the celebration of Mandaue City's charter day in Cebu on Thursday.

The President's joke drew criticism from groups that advocated women's rights, calling the statement a "flamboyant display of misogyny." —BAP/KG, GMA News