Gabriela Partylist Representative Sarah Elago on Monday called for the dismissal of a police officer accused of raping an unconscious woman in Manila, highlighting a troubling pattern of abuse and impunity within the police force.
“Lubhang nakakabahala ang sunod-sunod na balita kaugnay ng mga pulis na nang-aabuso ng kababaihan. Malinaw na pattern ito ng pang-aabuso at kawalan ng pananagutan sa loob ng kapulisan,” Elago said.
The incident involved a Manila Police District officer who reportedly carried an unconscious 27-year-old woman into a motel in Sampaloc on December 4. The officer claimed the encounter was consensual.
“Hindi puwedeng itago sa salitang ‘mutual understanding’ ang isang krimen. Kapag walang malay ang biktima, walang consent — malinaw iyan sa batas at sa karapatang pantao,” Elago said.
“Hindi sapat ang suspension o administrative case lamang. Wala dapat puwang sa mga abusado, lalo na yung mga nasa kapangyarihan,” she added.
Elago also stressed the need to ensure comprehensive support for the victim, including legal aid, psychosocial services, and protection against intimidation and victim-blaming.
“Bukas ang Gabriela Women’s Party sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa biktima. Panawagan namin na panagutin ang may sala at wakasan ang kulturang pumoprotekta sa mga abusado sa loob ng kapulisan,” she said.