The E-lawyering project of the Protection cluster, on the other hand has rendered services to 21
women and girls, most cases pertained to violations of RA 9262, followed by cases of violence committed
in online spaces.45
In the first half of 2021, data from PNP has not yet come in and yet - we wish to highlight three
worrying trends in GBV: cases where members of the PNP are perpetrator and the question of security
and impunity; second, complaints regarding insensitivity, including lack of provisions for accessibility,
and/or failure to respond to the case by the duty bearer, and finally, the continuing rise of GBV committed
in online spaces.
First, on members of PNP as perpetrators and the dangers of impunity and lack of protection for
women survivors of violence. Middle of December 2021, the country witnessed an active police officer
shooting a mother and son in broad daylight in the middle of an argument. The perpetrator, Nuezca, was
an active police officer.46 On the 3st of May this year, 53 years old mother, Liliberth Valdez was shot in the
neck by an allegedly drunk officer in Barangay Greater Fairview, Quezon City last 31 May 2021.47 In both
of these cases, the perpetrators were active policemen, both caught on live video. These cases are
particularly concerning, for as stated by the Commission in its statement, members of the Philippine
National Police are supposed to serve and protect and these cases, as captured in social media betray how
this power is mishandled and how for some this power is abused and facilitated violence against women.
Deeply concerning to the Commission is the particular case of Ritchie Nepomuceno, one of the three
women who filed criminal, administrative, and human rights cases against members of PNP Cebu for the
rape and torture they committed during detention. According to Ritchie, she was one of the 2 victims who
were tortured by at least 11 cops inside a secret room at the Pasil Police Station 6 (Sawang Calero Police
45
Inquiries involved sextortion committed in online spaces; violation of Anti-photo and video voyeurism act
Woman who accused Cebu City Cops of Torture, rape, shot dead. Rappler. 19 April 2021
https://www.rappler.com/nation/woman-accused-cops-rape-torture-shot-dead-cebu-city-april-2021 (accessed 31 August 2021)
47
Aspinwall. Police Killing leads to calls for reform in the Philippines. 7 June 2021. The Diplomat.
https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/police-killing-leads-to-calls-for-reform-in-the-philippines/
46
10