Deploying more policewomen in barangays amid rising cases of violence against women and children is a good step. The Philippine National Police, however, should also focus on enhancing the training of male police so they could better respond to VAWC cases.
This was the suggestion of House committee on public order and safety vice chair and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos following the PNP’s move to deploy more women officers to respond to VAWC.
“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.
Bernos said that increased sensitivity training would also help the police shed negative tags associated with some of its members.
“Empathy should always go hand in hand with the pursuit of justice and law enforcement,” he added.
Citing data from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the PNP said Unified 911, the country’s emergency hotline, received over 5,000 VAWC-related calls in 2025. The hotline also reportedly receives up to 500 VAWC calls per month.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the deployment of more policewomen is aimed at providing a more empathetic approach in handling sensitive cases.
He also said that the increase in the number of calls shows growing trust in the system.
Bernos said that increased sensitivity training would also help the police shed negative tags associated with some of its members.
The lawmaker said that more people would be encouraged to solicit the police’ help if they were perceived more positively.
“Ayaw ng mga kababayan natin ng mga pulis na bastos, arogante, at walang simpatiya. Kaya umaasa tayo na patuloy ang liderato ng PNP sa pagsiguro na mapanagot ang mga miyembrong dumudungis sa pangalan nito, at na ang kasalukuyang hanay ng kapulisan ay mapupuno ng mga taong pinahahalagahan ang respeto sa kapwa at sa sarili,” Bernos said.
