Maramag Focus Group Discussio on Gender Based Violence Referral Mechanism October 3, 2019 Maramag, Bukidnon store the information electronically. The VAWC folder is kept as a permanent record. In cases of children in conflict with the law (CICL), they will request the court to burn the records after the trial. The MHO answered that in their office GBV case documents are kept in a separate cabinet for five years, they will not share the information or the case records except with the court. Aside from documentation protocol, the MHO said that in cases of rape they will automatically check for STIs and then also require an HIV examination in three months. CHR-X Investigator Cajes asked about rape complaints being documented as „love triangle‟ in the incident report which will then be dismissed by the fiscal. The Provincial Prosecutor replied that the fiscal will have the final say regarding the analysis of the complaint of the victim and as to what case may be filed in court. RECOMMENDATIONS The facilitators asked the group if they have recommendations to improve interventions and services for victims of gender-based violence. The PNP WCPD Office replied that they need additional personnel because sometimes they have a long line of complainants waiting for their turn to be interviewed. The MHO also hoped for additional doctor for medico-legal needs, she said they cannot shortcut the procedure for signing medical certificates – such as for medical certificates when the MHO has not even seen the cadaver – because this will heavily impact the court case. The HRO said that it would be good if the DSWD Program on Gender Based Violence be implemented in Maramag. At this point the other participants one by one extended their gratitude to the CHR for inviting them to the discussion. The PNP was thankful for the presence of the MSWDO, the MHO and the Provincial Prosecutor because they work with each other in servicing GBV case victims-survivors. The FGD participants from the representatives of the local government unit of the Municipality of Maramag, Maramag, Bukidnon Page 10 of 13