Bacolod: The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) on Tuesday reported a continued decrease in crimes against women and children, with only seven cases recorded in the first two months of 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Rowena Jean Magan, officer-in-charge of the BCPO – Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), expressed optimism that figures for the first quarter of 2025 will be significantly lower than the 37 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Among the seven cases recorded since January, three involved violations of Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Two of these cases have been filed in court, while the third complainant has signed an affidavit of non-interest.

The remaining four cases-comprising two incidents of rape and two of acts of lasciviousness-are currently being heard in the courts. Magan attributed the decline in cases primarily to the proactive efforts of investigators across all police stations to prevent violence against women and children (VAWC). She remarked that investigators are engaging in dialogues, meetings, lectures, and symposiums to raise awareness and focus on prevention through advocacy programs.

As part of their prevention and awareness campaign, the BCPO is also involved in inter-agency coordination and the distribution of information, education, and communication materials that highlight special laws protecting women and children. Magan noted that the department extends its information dissemination efforts to social media, acknowledging that abuses are not limited to physical forms but also occur online, where many children are active users.