A 29-year-old pregnant woman, who was allegedly raped by four police officers, is dropping all charges. The mom, identified only as "Dolores," sent a text message to Sr. Insp. Susan Cullamco, explaining her decision.
"Ayoko na pong lumaban, gusto ko pong mawala. Wala po akong lakas ng loob, ubos na rin ang dahilan sa kahihiyan. Ano man po ang mangyari sa amin, ma’am sir, ipapasa-Diyos ko na lang po ito," read the message, as reported by the Inquirer.
29-year-old pregnant woman raped by police in front of her child believes God will bring them to justice
The sexual assault reportedly happened during a buy-bust operation in Meycauayan, Bulacan. At the time of the rape, Dolores was seven months pregnant.
Despite the horrors she suffered, Dolores believes that the "Lord is merciful" and will be the one who will bring them to justice.
To spare herself from all the threats she's been receiving, she believes the best move is just to back out.
"Ayoko na po, tama na po. Diyos na po ang bahalang gumanti sa akin kaysa naman ang dami ko nang bantang naririnig," she added.
Despite this, Philippine National Police Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa clarified that the Bulacan provincial Internal Affairs Service (IAS) will pursue the investigation. The officers in question have since been removed from the police force.
Pregnant woman raped by police highlights why victims are afraid to keep fighting
A 2017 report stated that one rape happens every hour in the Philippines. In 2017, there were 7,584 incidents of rape reported. It's important to note, however, that many victims fail to come forward because of fear and shame. The actual numbers may be significantly higher.
Take, for instance, how witnesses — including barangay officials — even tried to discredit the claims of the pregnant woman raped by police.
By the age of 15, one in five Filipino women will have experienced some form of physical violence.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of violence, do not hesitate to seek help. You can contact any of the following institutions:
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02)931-8101 to 07
DSWD –NCR Ugnayan Pag-asa Crisis Intervention Center
Legarda, Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 734-8639/ 734-8654/ 734-8626 to 27
Philippine National Police (PNP)
Camp Crame, Quezon City
Tel. No.: 723-0401 to 20
PNP-Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
Camp Crame, Quezon City
Tel. No.: 410-3213
NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Desk (VAWCD)
Taft Avenue, Manila
Tel. No.: 523-8231 to 38 / 525-6028
Sources: ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, GMA News, Philippine Commission on Women
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