Five arrested for allegedly harassing Colombian tourist in Makati City - PNP

Five male suspects were recently arrested for allegedly harassing a female Colombian tourist who was walking along a street in Makati City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said the 23-year-old victim asked for help from police officers after she allegedly experienced sexual harassment while walking along a street in Barangay Poblacion.

Police officers acted promptly on her complaint, leading to the arrest of five male suspects aged 18 to 23 years old.

Police referred a case for alleged violation of Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Law” against the suspects.

“Ang mabilis na pagresponde ng ating mga pulis ay nagpapakita ng ating patuloy na pangako na protektahan ang lahat ng tao sa ating bansa – maging Pilipino man o dayuhan. Walang puwang ang anumang uri ng harassment sa ating mga komunidad, at sisiguraduhin nating agad na matutugunan ang mga ganitong insidente sa paraang naaayon sa batas,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

(The quick response of our policemen is proof of our commitment to protect everyone in our country, Filipino or foreigner. There is no space for any kind of harassment in our communities. We will make sure that we respond to these incidents in a manner in accordance with the law.)

He also encouraged victims and witnesses to immediately report incidents of harassment and other crimes to authorities.

“Patuloy nating hinihikayat ang publiko na makipagtulungan sa kapulisan. Ang maagap na pag-uulat ay mahalaga upang agad nating maaksyunan ang mga insidente at mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas habang iginagalang ang kanilang mga karapatan sa ilalim ng ating legal na proseso,” Nartatez added.

(We continue to encourage the public to cooperate with the police. Prompt reporting is vital in immediately acting on these incidents and holding violators accountable, while respecting their rights under our legal processes.) — JMA, GMA News