‘Ang mga babae, hindi sinasaktan’: PNP warns abusive cops as VAWC complaints reach 304

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has warned its personnel against committing violence against women and children (VAWC), as it recorded 304 complaints involving police officers from January 1 to November 9 this year.

“Ang mga babae, hindi sinasaktan. It goes true for everyone, but doubly so for us police officers. We do not condone, we do not tolerate,” PNP Public Information Office chief PBGen. Allen Rae Co said.

The figure is lower than the 338 complaints recorded for the entire year of 2025, but the PNP said the increasing number of women coming forward to report abuse is a positive development.

PNP data showed that psychological violence accounted for the biggest share of complaints this year, with 92 cases, followed by physical violence with 85.

Another 54 complaints had no specified classification, while 25 involved other acts of abuse and 18 involved threats and intimidation.

Psychologist Dr. Camille Garcia said victims may find it difficult to leave abusive relationships for various reasons.

“Kung minsan may mga pagkakataon ang iisipin nung babae ay siya ang may kasalanan. Ako ‘yung mag-iintindi. Lalo na kung sabihin mo, ‘yung lalaki ang breadwinner,” Garcia said.

“Pangalawa, akala nila magbabago. Dahil kasi nangangako, puro pangako siya. Kung talagang gusto niyang magbago, nasa sa kanya ‘yun,” she added.

Garcia also stressed that abuse is not limited to physical violence, as verbal attacks and other forms of emotional and psychological harm can also take a toll on victims.

The PNP urged the wives and partners of police officers not to hesitate to report any form of abuse, assuring them that the PNP leadership supports victims who come forward.

“Sabi nila kapag pulis ay mahirap kasuhan, but nagkakalakas-loob na sa kanilang partner, sa kanilang husband, to file cases against them or to come out in the open dahil sinusuportahan na ng ating chief PNP,” Co said.

“Pumunta lang kayo sa amin at we will act on this.”

The PNP Women and Children Protection Center may be reached through its hotlines at 0966-725-5961 and 0920-907-1717.

Women who wish to file complaints specifically against police personnel may also visit the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to lodge their complaints.