In a unified call to action, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its full support to the government’s comprehensive efforts to end violence against women during the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), observed nationwide from November 25 to December 12. The campaign, championed by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and supported by the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACVAWC), underscores the PNP’s commitment to protect the dignity, rights, and safety of every woman.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, emphasized that this initiative aligns closely with the Nation’s Peacekeepers’ core mission of service and protection. He stressed that violence against women is not only a criminal offense but also a fundamental human rights issue rooted in systemic gender inequalities.
“As public servants sworn to uphold justice and safeguard communities, we must intensify our efforts to prevent violence, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
Under his leadership, PNP is enhancing its strategies to deliver a more effective and compassionate response to gender-based violence. Central to this initiative is the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), which remains the frontline unit in providing holistic support to survivors in close coordination with local government units and social services. WCPC also ensures that reporting and referral mechanisms remain accessible, survivor-centered, and responsive.
“Buong puso pong nakikibahagi ang PNP sa bawat Pilipino upang masigurong mas ligtas ang ating mga kalsada, tahanan, at mga institusyon para sa kababaihan at mga batang babae,” PLtGen Nartatez added.
According to the latest WCPC report, a total of 6,883 incidents involving women and children were recorded from August 26 to November 25, 2025. Cases involving violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) reached 2,144, the highest during the period. This was followed by 1,658 cases under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (RA 7610). Of the total incidents, 6,614 cases or 96.09 percent were cleared, and 3,974 cases or 57.72 percent were solved. Meanwhile, 269 cases or 3.9 percent remain under investigation.
To further strengthen its response, PNP is intensifying preventive measures through capacity-building and community engagement. Police personnel are being trained on gender sensitivity, bystander intervention, and victim-centered investigative approaches. The Nation’s Peacekeepers is also enhancing its community-policing initiatives to raise public awareness of the various forms and consequences of violence against women. Alongside these efforts, PNP is expanding its advocacy programs that promote empowerment, protection, and continuous support for women and children.
Demonstrating its commitment, PLtGen Nartatez led in the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on December 1. Joined by the PNP Command Group, Directorial Staff, and other key officials, the ceremony reflected the PNP’s strong advocacy for protecting women’s rights and preventing all forms of gender-based violence.
PNP emphasized that its participation in the 18-Day Campaign is not confined to the yearly commemoration. Instead, it forms part of a broader and continuous commitment to professionalism, integrity, accountability, and gender-responsive policing. By strengthening coordination with government agencies, civil society groups, and local communities, PNP aims to end violence against women, underscoring that this responsibility must be upheld every day and not only during the campaign period.
