Child abuse, VAWC top crimes in Sagada

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Of 46 cases committed the last four years, child abuse topped the list in violation of Republic Act 7610 or law providing protection against child abuse and exploitation. 
    Six cases of child abuse apart from the recent murder of a special child topped crimes here records from the Municipal Police Station reveal from years 2019 to 2022.
    Of the six child abuse cases, four cases were committed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
    The recent child murder case was committed last Nov. 17 wherein the 12-year- old victim, a special child thrown down a pavement by the accused.
    Also, five cases of violence against women and children in violation of RA 9262 or the law on anti-violence against women and children were committed the past four years.
     Two cases of rape committed in 2019 and 2022.
    Of the 46 crimes recorded by Sagada police from 2019 to 2022 revealed index and non-index crimes increased from 14 cases in 2019 to 18 cases in 2020 with child abuse and illegal drugs topping the list.
    Crime cases decreased to nine in 2021 including two cases for violation of the illegal logging law or PD 705 and two cases for violating the Chainsaw Act for failure of the accused to register their chainsaw.
    Crimes committed in 2022 revealed a low of five cases with separate offenses of murder, rape, child abuse and VAWC.
    Child abuse and VAWC cases were committed since 2019. 
    Also topping the crime list the past four years were four cases of RA 1602 or the law on illegal gambling and five cases of RA 9165 or the comprehensive dangerous drugs act.
    Other separate crimes committed with one to two cases were carnapping, robbery, murder committed in 2019 and 2022, attempted murder, alarms and scandal, libel, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, damage to properties, swindling and physical injuries.
    Poblacion Patay had 13 crimes the past four years followed by six cases in Bangaan and three cases each in Antadao, Madongo, Aguid and Taccong barangays.
    The rest of the 19 barangays registered two crimes each committed in their territories with one committed in Demang.