A WOMEN’S rights group sounded the alarm over the uptick in violence against women and children (VAWC) cases in the country, stressing that despite heightened public awareness, incidents continue to rise.
In a press conference on Saturday in Quezon City, Gabriela Alliance of Filipino Women Chairman Gertrudes Libang cited reports that by late 2025, three VAWC cases were reported every hour — a twofold increase from 2021 to 2023, when three cases were reported every two hours.
“Despite the high awareness or knowledge about violence against women, VAWC remains widespread. It means there are new forms of abuse that are emerging,” Libang said.
She added that only one out of 10 cases gets reported to authorities due to the alleged “victim-blaming” by police officers.
“Victim blaming remains very common. Instead of perpetrators, victims are blamed when they seek help. And that’s why the survivors of rape, harassment and domestic abuse feel ashamed because they’re blamed,” Libang said.
In March 2026, the Philippine National Police deployed additional female officers to provide specialized response to VAWC cases. But Libang believes the measure is inadequate, urging all police officers — whether they are men or women — to change their “patriarchal values.” “Patriarchal values affect all of us, whether we’re a woman or a man. If the police don’t change their perspective on women, men or violence against women, they won’t be able to help women,” she said, urging police officers to undergo gender-sensitivity training.
She added that VAWC cases are common in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites across the country. However, due to the policy that only the American military can intervene inside the camps, cases are often underreported and not publicized.
The group called for heightened anti-VAWC campaigns, as well as stronger legislative measures that seek to hold perpetrators accountable for VAWC victims.
Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago vowed to hold perpetrators accountable by pushing more legislation advancing women’s rights.
She said House Bill 4779, or the Expanded Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children, has just been passed on second reading, which now includes the protection of women from the spread of sensitive photos online and online stalking, with harsher penalties for perpetrators.
