MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Philippine National Police (PNP) here is intensifying its campaign to protect women and children against any forms of abuse.

The provincial police partnered with Islamic Relief (IR) Philippines in raising awareness on Republic Act (RA) No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act by orienting the 600 learners and their parents who were recipients of IR's Sustaining Transformative & Resilient Initiatives in Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in RANAO Philippines program.

The orientation on RA 7610 as well as the "ten rights of a child" and the "importance of life and family" was done on March 28-29, 2022 during the distribution of allowances to the learners in the municipality of Ditsaan-Ramain.

"We are joining the Islamic Relief especially that they are giving assistance to the children of Ditsaan-Ramain, para ma-aware din sila [children] na mayroon pala tayong special laws to protect their rights," said Police Lt. Melany Guerrero, PNP Provincial Family Juvenile Gender Awareness and Development (FJGAD) chief.

[We are joining the Islamic Relief especially that they are giving assistance to the children of Ditsaan-Ramain, so that they [children] will also be aware that we have special laws to protect their rights.]

Guerrero said they will continuously conduct the awareness campaign in all parts of the province as they have designated 'hijab patrollers' in all municipal stations who are tasked to conduct lectures about the protection of women and children. 

Meanwhile, the PNP-FJGAD chief called on women and children to immediately seek help at the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk in case they may become victims of harassment or violence.

The VAWC desk, she said, can be seen in all barangay halls and police stations in the province. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)