The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) denounced the rising cases of abuse against women by men in uniform, or elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. The CWR is an institution for research and training on women’s rights.
CWR documented at least 40 cases of state-perpetrated VAW from 2022 to 2025 involving physical assault, rape, sexual harassment, molestation, domestic abuse, and murder of women and children.
In 2025, reports of abuse by police and military against women and children surfaced almost every month. This shows that a culture of violence and impunity is deeply rooted in the country, according to the CWR.
In the first week of May, the case of Police Officer Alimeri severely beating his wife Aira Seda de la Cruz broke into the news. CCTV footage spread online showing the police officer repeatedly assaulting his wife until she lost consciousness.
“For every case that reaches the public, many more remain hidden because of fear, intimidation, and the silence of institutions,” CWR Executive Director Cham Perez explained.
“Cases like Aira’s are not isolated incidents,” Perez said. “They show a systemic problem within institutions that continue to allow abuse in their ranks while failing to ensure justice for women victims.”
Official government data for 2025 record at least 13,211 cases of violence against women. This is equivalent to around 36 women experiencing abuse every day.
“At a time when violence against women remains widespread, the state cannot remain complicit through inaction, much less by allowing its own personnel to become perpetrators of abuse and violence against women,” Perez said. “Those entrusted to protect the public must be held to the highest level of accountability.”
“It is enraging and alarming that the very people expected to enforce the law are involved in crimes of abuse against women and children. Police who use their power to inflict harm have no place in public service,” Gabriela Women’s Party representative and House Assistant Minority Leader Sarah Elago said.
Elago stressed that violence committed by men in uniform creates fear among victims seeking justice.
“An abuser carrying a uniform and a weapon intensifies fear and makes it harder for victims to fight for justice. A culture of impunity within the institution must not prevail,” Elago added.
“Restrictive custody or administrative sanctions alone are not enough. Abuse and violence against a spouse are criminal offenses under the Anti-VAWC law, thus the perpetrator must face charges and victims must be given proper support,” Elago emphasized.
Gabriela Women’s Party urged the public to continue speaking out against violence and to support survivors in pursuing justice despite intimidation and institutional barriers.
The CWR urged authorities to establish civilian oversight and accountability mechanisms, ensure impartial and transparent investigations, and strengthen systems focused on victim support. The group also called for sustained education on gender sensitivity and human rights within police and military institutions, alongside the full implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and the Magna Carta of Women.
