NBI agents transfer 'Florence' to another safe house

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) transferred “Florence,” the volunteer nurse raped in Maguindanao, to another safe house the other day following reported leaks on her whereabouts.

Florence was brought to the first safe house upon her discharge from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here last week.

Authorities reportedly decided to immediately bring Florence to another place due to information that her whereabouts had been leaked out to certain people, hence jeopardizing her safety.

Florence was discharged from the SPMC after she showed remarkable recovery in her motor and cognitive functions.

She suffered paralysis and memory loss due to head injuries she sustained in the attack in South Upi, Maguindanao last Sept. 25.

Those who now have custody of Florence reportedly feared for her safety, as investigators have started asking her details about the rape.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has asked probers to help Florence identify her attackers by showing her photographs of probable suspects.

Meanwhile, the militant women’s group Gabriela has urged the government to also give other rape victims the same, if not more, support that it has been giving Florence.

Gabriela Davao chairperson emeritus Lyda Canson said, “The government’s over-whelming support for Florence should also be received by the other 233 victims of rape in Davao City since these women have suffered so much.”

“We commend the government’s full support to Florence but there is still a greater need to prove its sincerity in supporting women who are victims of rape and injustices. What about Rebelyn Pitao, who was raped and murdered on account of her being a daughter of a known revolutionary fighter? What happened to her case?” Canson said.

“In the list of victims, the unreported cases are still not included, and we are urging the victims to come out to be able to receive the support and therapy they needed and to help in our campaign to end this grave repression and violence against women,” she added, citing reports from the city’s Women and Children Protection Desk.