Lawmaker calls for enhanced capability of male cops on VAWC cases

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

NO TO VAWC. Members of the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) rescue minors who are victims of online abuse in Surigao del Sur in this Nov. 11, 2025 photo. Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos on Monday (March 23, 2026) called on the PNP to also focus on enhancing the training of male police officers so they could better respond to cases of violence against women and children. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos on Monday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to also focus on enhancing the training of male police officers so they could better respond to cases of violence against women and children (VAWC).

The vice chairperson of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety made the call after the PNP moved to deploy more women officers in barangays amid rising VAWC cases.

“I believe that deploying more women officers is a good step. But for the long-term, I hope the PNP continues to enhance its gender-sensitivity and humanistic trainings so that even male cops can better respond not only to cases of abuse and violence against women and children, but to all cases,” Bernos said in a statement.

“Empathy should always go hand in hand with the pursuit of justice and law enforcement,” he added.

Bernos said increased sensitivity training would also help the police shed negative tags associated with a handful of its members.

The lawmaker added that more people would be encouraged to solicit the police’ help if they were perceived more positively.

Citing data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the PNP said Unified 911, the country’s emergency hotline, received over 5,000 VAWC-related calls in 2025.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has said the deployment of more policewomen is aimed at providing a more empathetic approach in handling sensitive cases.