By Rod G. Asurin
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — Domestic violence cases in the Cordillera region dropped from 165 in 2022 to 145 in 2025, according to the Police Regional Office–CAR (PRO-CAR).
Data from its Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System for the provinces and Baguio City in 2022 and 2025 show Abra had 23 cases in 2022 and 13 in 2025; Apayao, 6 and 1; Benguet, 36 and 39; Ifugao, 13 and 12; Kalinga, 16 and 20; Mountain Province, 5 and 4, and Baguio City, 66 and 56.
The data also showed physical violence dropped from 130 cases in 2022 to 112 in 2025. Psychological violence remained unchanged at 32 cases for both years, while sexual violence declined from three cases to one.
Regional Women and Children Protection Desk chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Nancy May S. Rafael attributed the overall decline to strengthened coordination among police units, local government units, barangays, and partner stakeholders in addressing violence against women and children.
However, she noted that the steady number of psychological violence cases highlights an ongoing challenge, as emotional and mental abuse is often hidden and underreported.
“These forms of abuse are difficult to detect compared to physical violence, which is why reporting remains a challenge,” she said.
To further address domestic violence, PRO-CAR continues to implement OPLAN Tagapagpatupad, a community-based initiative launched in December 2024, which focuses on improving victim support systems and strengthening prevention efforts at the local level.
Under the initiative, police units conduct house-to-house visits, information drives, lectures, media campaigns, distribution of information materials, and community engagements. Hotlines and social media channels are also maintained to ensure faster response to complaints.
Rafael emphasized that domestic violence is not only a family concern but a public safety and human rights issue that requires sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
“We shall continue working towards safer homes and violence-free communities for women and children,” she said.
Meanwhile, the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey key indicators showed that 14.5 percent of women aged 15–49, or about 15 in every 100 women in CAR, experienced domestic violence.
The figure was lower than the 19.8 percent recorded in 2022, indicating a downward trend in the reported prevalence of domestic violence in the region. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR)
