An official from the City Prosecutor’s Office here assured barangay officials they are protected by the law when they respond to incidents of Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) reported to them.
Atty. May Flor Duka of the City Prosecutor’s Office reiterated this to dispel fears among barangay officials over retaliatory actions that may done against them by the person apprehended for committing VAWC or their families.
“Dili man mawala manghulga ang pamilya especially sa atong mga barangay captain. In cases like this naa moy balaod na moproteksyon ninyo (Threats from the family of the offenders can’t be avoided but in cases like this there is a law that would protect you),” Duka said.
Duka was responding to a question raised by a kagawad of Brgy. Batinguel during a Kapihan sa PIA forum on Anti-VAWC campaign held at Brgy. Motong gymnasium.
The city fiscal was asked on what should barangay officials do in case a person nabbed for committing VAWC disobeyed authorities including barangay leaders who are responding to the incident.
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In response, Duka cited that could be a ground for warrantless arrest. “Mosulod na siya sa warrantless arrest. Ngano man? Wala bitaw ka kakita sa panghitabo pero a crime has just been committed and you have personal knowledge na nahimo gyud na, naa ka katungod na moaresto niya especially kung nagpaila-ila na ka ug nisukol siya ninyo. Pasabot ana simple disobedience to person of authority or pwedeng direct assault or assault to a person of authority (It could be a ground for warrantless arrest. Even though you didn’t personally witness the crime but you have personal knowledge that crime has been committed then you have the authority to arrest. If you have introduced yourself and the person still disobeyed you that is equivalent to disobedience to person of authority or direct assault or assault to a person of authority),” she explained.
In instances where barangay officials actually witness the occurrence of an abuse, they also have the authority to enter the place where the abuse was committed and restrain and disarm the offender.
Duka said she hopes the barangay officials will be more responsive to VAWC complaints reported to them.
“Motubag jud ta kay sa balaod (we should respond because according to the law), any person who is in the performance of his duty is justified and excused,” she emphasized.
Based on data of the Child Protection Unit of the City Social Welfare & Development as reported by social worker Roslyn Frejoles in the same forum, there are 37 cases of child sexual abuse cases recorded in the city starting January 16 this year.
Frejoles added that formal complaints have also been filed against the perpetrators in majority of these cases. (ral/PIA7)
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