‘No woman wants to be a battered woman,’ teacher says in complaint vs. police partner

MANILA — A teacher who says she endured nearly nine years of physical and emotional abuse from her live-in partner, a police corporal, has filed an administrative complaint before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), seeking justice for the alleged violence.

“Walang babaeng gustong maging ganito,” the teacher said on Tuesday, describing how the alleged abuse left her physically injured and took a toll on her mental health and dignity.

CCTV footage showed the police officer throwing the teacher to the floor of their eatery before forcibly carrying her to a corner, where he pushed and kicked her, then spat on her.

The teacher said she had been preparing to end their relationship and sought the help of her cousin, a barangay captain, to facilitate an amicable separation.

“Pero imbes na maging mapayapa ‘yung pag-uusap, bigla niya akong dinrag, dinala sa loob,” she said.

The teacher said their arguments often stemmed from her partner’s drinking.

She recalled an incident in 2022 when she allegedly woke up to find herself being punched in the head by her intoxicated partner.

“Hindi ako nakatikim ng palo nung parents ko, pero nakatikim ako nung bugbog sa taong akala ko magiging safe ako,” she said.

She added that she had sought medical treatment several times for injuries allegedly inflicted by her partner.

But the physical wounds, she said, were only part of the suffering she endured.

“Nakakasira ng ulo, nakakawala ng dignidad. Hindi madali ang masabak sa mundo ng mga battered woman,” she said, breaking down in tears.

“Matapang ako. Pero emotionally, psychologically…” she added.

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan said the commission would immediately investigate the police corporal.

“We have no tolerance for violence against women. I’m sure to dismiss this guy and I am confident na the whole Napolcom will draw the line because we believe na dapat ang babae pinoprotektahan, hindi sinasaktan,” Calinisan said.

NAPOLCOM is preparing administrative charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against the respondent.

The police officer, meanwhile, apologized and claimed the incidents happened only a few times.

The teacher urged other women experiencing abuse to seek help and not wait until the violence takes a further toll on their lives.

“Sa lahat ng battered women diyan, oras na po lumabas kayo. Huwag ninyong tiisin. Huwag nang hintayin sirain kayo ng isang tao na hindi naman karapat-dapat,” she said.