By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Commission on Women on Tuesday condemned the reported rape of a female police trainee by her instructor inside a Baguio City training facility, saying administrative dismissal of the suspect must be followed by full criminal prosecution.
“We stand in full solidarity with the victim-survivor and recognize the courage it takes to come forward and pursue justice,” the PCW said in a statement.
The PCW called sexual violence “a serious violation of human rights and an abuse of power” that has “no place in any institution, particularly in training environments responsible for shaping future law enforcers.”
“Regardless of rank, position, or circumstance, no one is above accountability under the law,” the commission stressed.
The commission acknowledged the Philippine National Police’s swift move to dismiss the respondent from service. But it warned that administrative penalties cannot replace criminal liability.
“Administrative dismissal is not a substitute for criminal liability. It is an internal disciplinary measure that must be accompanied by full criminal prosecution to ensure justice for the survivor,” PCW said.
PCW explained that administrative and criminal cases are distinct. Sanctions under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service — including dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office — are “important safeguards” but “do not extinguish criminal accountability.”
PCW said, must proceed under:
Republic Act No. 8353 – Anti-Rape Law of 1997
Republic Act No. 7877 – Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995
Republic Act No. 11313 – Safe Spaces Act
The commission urged law enforcement and training institutions to strengthen mechanisms that prevent abuse of authority, protect trainees, and ensure safe reporting channels for sexual violence.
“Sexual violence, including rape and workplace sexual harassment… must be met with the full force of the law,” PCW said.
The PNP has not released the name of the dismissed instructor. PCW did not disclose case details to protect the survivor’s identity.
The commission said it will monitor developments to ensure the criminal case moves forward.
ia/xf
