By Anthony A. Araos
I thought you’d condemn it in the strongest possible terms. This refers to the fact that Ifugao is number 1 in the Cordillera Administrative Region when it comes to rape cases committed on minors.
The penchant of Ifugao folks to justify this through excuses and alibis is very disheartening, if not utterly disgusting. For instance, my esteemed friend Godfrey Dominong described the problem as “insignificant,” saying that “the rape cases were committed with consent.” Goodness sake! a father molesting his two-year and four-year old daughters? What do you mean consent? I asked in a loud voice. Then I left. I couldn’t help but to look incredibly down on him, and on so many others.
Their line of thinking and sense of values cannot be dismissed for being isolated and insignificant for they are some of the few privileged educated folks in the province. What would you do to solve the problem and stop this crime? I have some recommendations to Board Members Joselito Guyguyon and Perfecta Dulnuan as well as Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Miriam Baguidudol. I’ll gladly forward these to their offices for consideration.
For starters, I am urging the adoption of the “no amicable settlement of rape cases” formula of Board Member Guyguyon during his tenure as Kiangan mayor. He should get a commitment from the 11 mayors of Ifugao.
There is also a need to set up district police detachments in clustered barangays to detect lawless acts and take action more quickly.
Slapping the full wrath of the law on these criminals is absolutely important. Instead of holding a motorcade and waste tax payers’ money on gasoline, it’s better to parade these good-for-nothing evil-doers in public. They should be shamed.
The plan is for an information education campaign through “Oplan Ammuna” by conducting a motorcade and through tarpaulins in every barangay. I am not inclined to support this as there is nothing to celebrate about the “tag” earned by the province. There is a better way of disseminating information.
I am for a motorcade extolling the success of athletes in a major competition but not on something about incestuous rape of minors, or any kind of rape for that matter.
The province’s Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) is largely dormant. Why organize the BCPC? It is intended to ensure the full implementation of the full rights of every child to live in a society that offers or guarantees him or her safety, health, good morals and facilities for his or her wholesome development. At the Lagawe program, I saw some Sanggunian Kabataan Lamut officials and they took part in the motorcade and “photo opportunities.” Uhm… really is that your best shot to end the problem? I urge them to be more vigilant in protecting the young.
With an estimated 92 of such cases recorded in two years, and no concrete and genuine action taken, Ifugao’s notoriety as number 1 in the CAR is likely to elevate itself in the national level. Come on, wake up Ifugao folks! There are compelling reasons to ensure a child won’t have anything to worry about molesters and similar shady characters.**
