VAWC cases in city rise

CEBU, Philippines — Regardless of the existing laws and the continuing efforts of the police authorities to raise awareness against violations of human rights, especially those of the women and children, related incidents still persist in Cebu City.

Based on the latest data obtained by The FREEMAN, the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has recorded a notable increase in cases of violence against women children (VAWC) in the city.

From January to November 2025, reported incidents related to Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, climbed to 154 this year, posing a 36.28% increase compared to the 113 cases last year.

Of the total VAWC incidents this year, 25 cases were cleared, while 129 were solved. Meanwhile, 49 of those cases were not pursued as the victims or their family refused to file charges against the perpetrators.

Cebu City WCPD chief, Police Captain Charisma Gonzales, attributed the increase of reported incidents through information dissemination efforts, including flyer distribution, social media posting, and holding seminars or lectures. She said that these activities also sparked a sense of awareness among the public to report and cooperate with the authorities.

“Mao na taas ta og increase sa atong reported cases tungod lagi anang atoang mga information dissemination, mag-conduct ta og mga lecture ug mga seminar. So sila, na-aware na pod sila,” she said.

Gonzales explained that the majority of those who reported to the police authorities are well-informed of protecting their rights against the various types of abuse, whether it involves physical, verbal, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, domestic, and also through online.

“Sila, makabalo na sila kung unsa g’yud mga rights nila ug kung when maka-ingon sila na ‘kini abuse na g’yud ni siya’,” she added.

Contrarily, Gonzales also asserted that there were more VAWC cases in the city. But she said that some of these were unreported due to personal reasons of the victims.

“Daghan ta mga cases na about anang mga VAWC, pero unreported because ang victim mas mo-prefer na i-keep lang nila sa kaugalingon,” said Gonzales.

With the observance of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, that started in November 2025 and will end on December 12, the Philippine National Police called for a unified action in support of the said movement.

In Cebu City, this advocacy for the protection of women was also strengthened through the formal signing of a Pledge of Commitment officiated by Gonzales herself, followed by Cebu City Police Office officer-in-charge Police Colonel George Ylanan, held during the flag-raising ceremony yesterday.

“During sa flag-raising ceremony, nagkuan ta og covenant signing. Ang atoang city director, mga command group, and other male police officers gipapirma nato sila nga they will help us, police women, to end violence against women and children,” Gonzales said.

On the part of the local government, Gonzales said that the current administration is “active”, highlighting that the WCPD has close coordination with the local officials, starting from the barangay level, in addressing issues and developments involving the women and children.

“The Cebu City government is very active in the prevention and also in ending violence against women and children. We maintain the close coordination with our Cebu City local (government) unit,” she said.

Furthermore, she urged the public to prevent abuse against women and children for a safer and VAWC-free Cebu.

“Likayan nato ang atong pag pang-abuso sa atong mga partner, because as I’ve mentioned ‘partner’ na nato sila, dile na nato sila mga ‘punching bag’, dili na nato sila kontra,” she said.

“Karong pasko, it’s a time for love, giving, and sharing… Let’s remain hopeful and (be) a peace-loving people to all Cebuanos,” she added. — (FREEMAN)