Ifugao rape cases up; PNP deter drive on

LAWYER Belen Tayaban of the National Police Commission in Ifugao orients residents of Umalbong, Hingyon about penalty for rape  during the launching of  pperation "Ammuna". -- MBL, PIA CAR, Ifugao

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

HINGYON, Ifugao -- Ifugao police force upped its anti-rape drive and find strategies to abate rising occurrence of the crime in communities, now a major concern in the province.

The Ifugao Police Provincial Office recently launched Operation “Ammuna” (enough/stop) in Umalbong, this town.

This supports Operation “Panio” (taboo) initiated last year wherein police conduct house to house information drive about rape prevention.

With restrictions during community quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this time under Operation “Ammuna,” tarpaulins bearing the localized theme and contact numbers of the police will be placed in conspicuous areas for awareness.

Safety tips against rape including punishment for rape will be printed in tarpaulins to inform the public.

IPPO data showed from January to July 2020, the province recorded 16 rape incidents where 14 occurred in residential houses and one each in the ricefield and recreational place.

Operation “Ammuna” will be adapted in municipal police stations in partnership with municipal advisory councils and communities.

Some residents during the launching suggested passage of a provincial ordinance regulating the usage of cell phones in the schools and if possible concerned government agencies will request deletion of all downloadable pornographic materials in the internet. -- PIAIfugao