Arayat MPS catches netizens’ backlash over anti-rape tips

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
February 11, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Arayat MPS, Pampanga PPO/Facebook)

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A recent post by the Arayat Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Pampanga has drawn significant backlash from netizens for its supposed unproductive “Iwas Rape Tips” that subtly shifts the burden of prevention on potential victims rather than the perpetrators.

Some commenters expressed support for the message and intent. However, most called out its apparent insensitivity.

For instance, netizen Don King Fernando slammed the post for its purported backward mindset, affirming his stance that “Walang ma-re-rape kung walang rapist”.

(There won’t be any rape victims if there’s no rapist.)

“Sa halip na turuan ang mga tao kung paano “umiwas,” bakit hindi niyo i-center ang accountability ng mga gumagawa ng krimen?” Fernando argued in a post.

(Instead of teaching people how to “avoid”, why not center your message about holding perpetrators accountable?)

“Nakakagalit at nakakabahala na ganito ang mensaheng ipinapasa — parang ninonormalize niyo lang na may mararape, tapos ang solusyon ay “mag-ingat ka.” This isn’t prevention. Victim-blaming lang ‘to na naka-poster format,” he stressed.

(It is frustrating and concerning that such a message is being passed to people—as if it’s normalizing the culture of rape, then the solution left is to “take care”. This isn’t prevention. This is victim-blaming made into a poster format.)

Fellow netizen Angelo Dizon said he understands the message, but it’s the way the message was conveyed that’s worth calling out.

“In support of their good intention, yes, maganda ang layunin, may malalim na mensahe,” Dizon said. “Ngunit sa mas malalim at mas makataong pananaw, may pangambang hindi para sa lahat ang tagpo ng mga pahiwatig na salita.”

(In support of their good intention, yes, the mission was good; it has a deep message. However, if looked at from a deeper and more humane perspective, there’s a risk that the wording of the message wouldn’t be properly conveyed to all.)