Philippine National Police (PNP) is under fire after the news broke out about the rape incident committed by an officer to the daughter of their prisoner who were associated with illegal drugs.  PO1  Edgardo Valencia was reported because he brought the 15-year old girl to a motel in Sta. Mesa, Manila where she was raped in exchange for the freedom of her parents who were facing drug charges.

Upon the face-off between Valencia and the victim’s mother together with NCPRO Director Guillermo Eleazar, the police officer pleaded and said that he has a family, and a daughter too. Trying to clean his name and reputation, but Director Eleazar isn’t convinced with his reasons. Director Eleazar was full of anguish, and said that these new policemen who are supposed to protect the people are the ones who are committing the wrong acts and putting the whole PNP down.

However, PO1 Eleazar followed his statement and said “Sir, hindi na po bago sa’ting mga operatiba ‘yung gano’n,  kapag may nahuhuli po tayong drug pusher, sir.”  (Sir, this act isn’t new to us operatives when we catch a drug pusher.)

After  the news was broadcasted, people were shocked and mixed emotions was prevailing  all over the social media. Various progressive groups, normal citizens, and individuals are condemning the inhumane act made by the police officer.

Thus, PO1 Valencia’s statement made it clear to the public that the operatives did this before, and who knows how many they have victimized?

In addition, the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) have recorded reports against Police about  13 abuse cases against women from January 2017 to July 2018, eight (8) cases of rape, and three (3 ) cases of acts of lasciviousness with 12 cops involved, and one (1) case of harassment and another one ( 1)  case of physical assault. These reports are clear police brutality under the Oplan Tokhang  program of President Duterte,  the war on drugs  that he launched to eliminate illegal drugs which he said the cause of rape, and decaying  society.

But with this case, Gabriela Women’s Party is firm with their stand and said that they are enraged to this latest case, that  the  President’s misogyny and perverted exhortations have nurtured the culture of rape and impunity that now gnaws on PNP’s credibility.

 Due to this people are now more and more afraid of the authorities, because innocence does not mean you are free from abuse.

At a time where the so called protectors of the Filipino people turn out to be abusers, it will always be our duty to resist and fight for our rights. After all, no one is above the law, and no one should use their position or power for their personal interests.