CHR helping efforts to solve rape, killing of 2 girls in Tagum City

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it would help search for the perpetrators behind the rape and killing of two girls in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and the sexual abuse of minors in Quezon City.

In a statement, the CHR said it “has mobilized its regional offices to help bring the perpetrators to justice and offer assistance to the victims’ families for all cases cited above.”

The CHR mentioned the case of a nine-year-old girl whose body was found near a school in Barangay Apokon in Tagum City on April 20, four days after she was last seen taking her younger sister to the school.

Based on the initial investigation, the victim was sexually assaulted before she was killed, according to the commission.

On April 25, the body of an 18-year-old working student was found in Barangay Magugpo North. She was last seen three days earlier in CCTV footage within the premises of a convenience store.

The CHR said based on the investigation, the victim was seen on April 23 being approached by a man while on her way home from her work at a massage parlor.

According to the CHR, reports said she was able to send a message to a colleague that she was raped.

Investigations to identify and apprehend the suspects behind the two cases in Tagum City are still ongoing, the CHR said.

Meanwhile in Quezon City, a man allegedly molested a 14-year-old girl in front of a sari-sari store in Barangay San Bartolome on April 30. The victim and her father sought assistance from the Quezon City Police.

On the same day, a complainant from Barangay Matandang Balara reported that their house helper had been sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy.

The house helper also allegedly coerced the kids to watch pornographic videos in the complainant’s house, the CHR said.

The Quezon City Police tracked down and apprehended both suspects, according to the CHR.

Appeal to gov't

In its statement, the CHR called on all levels of government to reinforce measures against violence and sexual abuse of youth and children, citing their obligation under several conventions and laws.

These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, among others.

Aside from enforcing laws, the CHR said initiatives must engage the whole-of-society in promoting a culture of responsibility, respect, and care towards the weak and vulnerable sectors like women and children.

Communities, families, workplaces, and schools should learn to detect signs of sexual abuse, report incidents, and create safe spaces for vulnerable groups, the CHR said.

“CHR is willing and ready to assist government in fulfilling its obligations in pursuit of a society where children are free to enjoy their youth and participate in their communities without fear of violence and abuse,” the CHR said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News