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The Anatomy of Barangay Election

The Anatomy of Barangay Election
By Taga Ibaan Ako

Barangay. The smallest political unit in the Philippines.

This is the level where national election begins. But for itself, it writes script and directs its own set of scenes by the people directly taking part up close and personal. This can’t be ignored. Everyone, from candidates to political patriarchs, down to the the voters themselves, are all part of the drama. And 2010 election is not an exception.

The Beginning

During the earlier times, the Philippines is composed of different tribes or barangays (balangay) distributed among thousands of islands, and were ruled by Datu or Rajah. They belong to rich clans who claim power out of reach from ordinary people. The change of leadership was based on the family’s hierarchy of succession with, generally, the eldest taking power as his own.

When the Spaniards came, they kept the barangay structure but took the power off the Datus/Rajas and have it centralized to the Governor General, and locally to to the encomendero, and later in the alcalder mayor and the gobernadorcillo.

The coming of Americans made barangays into barrios. They were then recognized as quasi-municipal corporations under Republic Act No. 3590 or The Revised Barrio Charter. Autonomy was also granted by virtue of Republic Act No. 2370 (Barrio Charter)

The barrio was again renamed back to barangay during martial law through Presidential Decree No. 86 and 557. Then, pursuant to Batas Pambansa Blg. 222, the FIRST election for Punong Barangay and six Kagawads was held on May 17, 1982. Local Government Code of 1983 fixed the term of office at 6 years, to be changed to 3 years by the Local Government Code of 1991, with the inclusion of SK election as part of the barangay level election.

The Setting

Barangay election has not evolved or changed that much since it was first introduced. From Datus/Rajas’ time, the power usually still belongs to the, if not, rich ones and also to those with connections from from national, provincial to municipal level politicians. Although the Constitution explicitly grants democracy and equality among people to vote and be voted upon, this somehow has gone in vain through the years. Sometimes, there is always a tendency of concentration of power with people playing the role of a fool, blindly following orders from these people.

However, in most cases, looking at the brighter side, a Pangulo keeps his seat through continued support and belief of/from the constituents on his ability to govern the barangay effectively, not to mention their generosity. In Brgy. Kagitingan, Baguio City, Maria De Vera Cordoviz, Nana Maria or “Kapitana” to everyone, served as Barangay Chairman for 41 years until her death in January 26, 2010. This is recognized as the longest time that a person held the position in the country. People would speak of her generosity as if God has given her all of that since time immemorial.

Unfortunately, Kapitana’s story is just one of those millions cases that we have here. Barangay political landscape is often designed through deception. machination and manipulation by those who wish make the most of it in, probably, provincial and municipal level point of view. Guns, goons and gold still find their way before someone’s house’s door to remind them of what to write on E-day.

On October 25, Monday, around 50 million voters will make their way to voting precincts to elect one (1) Barangay Chairman and seven (7) Kagawads for each of the 43,025 barangays in the country. Ahead of this, the PNP has already recorded election-related violent incidents since gun-ban was implemented last September25 this year. The incidents consist of either killing or injuring of candidates and their supporters, including 543 gun ban violations. However, the relieving part of this is that, the number is lower compared to that of 2007 Barangay and SK election. The bottom line is, violence remains.

The Circus and its Players

Life is a circus by itself. And barangay election is a bigger one, specially with players craving for a bigger slice of the pie.

Barangay election follows next after concluding the Municipal level election. With this, politicians belonging to this level are the most proximate ones to be affected by the latter’s results. To avoid, or at least to cushion its impact on their career, they would often do two things in the shadow; either (1) to play favorites or (2) to play safe.

When municipal level politicians run for election (assuming they won), they go to political patriarchs in different barangays. Relationships were established and sometimes sealed with some vague promises to be claimed in the future. When barangay election hits the calendar, payback time makes its scene. A good return must be made either by endorsing and supporting the candidacy of his barangay foot soldiers who gave him numbers during the last municipal election, much more in the provincial level. Anyway, this is expected. Or else, back lashes will be evident the next time around. At this point, playing favorites is on the run. However, the player can’t go bold nor speak about it in public. The player also get to worry about others’ sentiments who also voted for him, much more if his wards decide to go up against each other. His chess pieces will definitely begin to rot like tomatoes if his throwing of support to one of his pawns explodes out of proportion in the public; tug-of-war ensues next to his plate full of politics. He’ll be dead meat the following day.

On the other hand, there are wise players who would just let things happen as they commence from day one. So as not to be skinned alive and to put out the fire burning in his backyard, the player would ingenuously express his concern for the general welfare of his constituents by keeping himself on leash from giving his blessing to any of his opposing boys running for the same position in the barangay election. And to clear his name from any accusation of playing favorites, everyone will receive his grace, usually in the form of financial support for their campaign expenditures. This way, barangay tigers are tamed and admiration or respect from the people will runlet over his cup for letting democracy take its course among those who wish to be in barangay position. An act of playing safe hardly hurt any of his ward.

To add more glam to the player’s genuine love for freedom, his family members are also subjected to his micro-management skills; to the point of hand-cuffing them from filing their certificate of candidacy, suspending their political rights and freedom of expression on the fear of being charged of building political dynasty. He’d rather have his family members and relatives, mostly the less fortunate ones, as sacrificial lambs to save his skin. What people have to say is more important that the density and color of his blood.

This of course is a reversal of some players’ strategy to deepen their political claws in barangay level.

The Drama

Selling the drama is probably one of the most difficult thing to do for a wannabe in barangay election. While others who find it easy to get in to the game based on different factors, there are those having difficulty staying afloat in the battle field as they try to prove their worth for another term.

To keep up the fight, a seasoned politician would make a list of his administration’s accomplishments, along with what he has done for the barangay during his term. A litany of this will be made to be compared with his opponent’s experience or something. And if given the chance to post with any prominent politician, such photo will also form part of his election paraphernalia such as tarpaulins and flyers. This is a show of force that even build a tower our of clay with the support of the chosen one.

Erstwhile, some would bank on the number of his family members. Filipinos are regionalistic or tribal by nature, and this can be clearly seen on any level of election, including the barangay level. In this view, they are almost assured of votes multiplied by the some more votes that their family member can bring on his door steps. Barangay is basically starts with few families. Generations after generations, their members would scatter around the area and eventually making friends with the new member of the community. Thus, the family tree perfectly works in this level.

At some point, dark horses emerge out of nowhere. This is a situation where an underdog would bravely take his chances against the seasoned one. A David versus Goliath in the making. This again calls for an army of the family, specially when they have been a victim of any form of injustices or discrimination perpetrated by the one in position. Sentiments from voters are gathered through emotional appeal by making them realize that they may also fall prey and experience the same ordeal. Displaying how weak they are in the face of an iron maiden often results to strong sympathy from the people, almost enough to build platoons of supporters to take them to barangay hall.

Remembering the tag lines of Senator Ralph Rectp when he first ran as Congressman of 4th District, it says “Ang Ipinaglaban ng Lolo, Ipagpapatuloy ng Apo“. I say this is one of those dramas that was successfully sold to the voting public. And again, the family is behind this. However, family name’s reputation played a greater role on this. Recto’s was a respected former President of Republic of the Philippines and was able to maintain a clean slate until his last days in Malacanang. And Recto was able to illuminate this fact during his campaign. Is this applicable in barangay level? Yes. Barangay is too small a community for people not to know the goodness of one’s folks back in time. Had the forefathers been a responsible member of the community, no doubt this will be a big factor when E-day comes along.

Some candidates who lost in municipal level election feel bad about it. Frustrations sink in to the point of losing faith to people. Unfortunately, hardly they realize that their being a failure can give them a fast and furious ticket to barangay hall. Have they forgotten that their barangay has embraced them and made them feel proud of their boldness to run in the municipal level? Now this might still be converted into winning numbers if they run in the barangay. But then, as we’ve mentioned, we are tribal in nature. And our barangay consists of more sub-groups divided into different categories. Sometimes not in perfect harmony with each other. But then, if this can mastered and polished, there is still hope of winning. They’ve taken them once during municipal level, they’ll do better in barangay level. The drama here is that, they can sell their municipal plans like hot cakes to his fellow barangay men.

Barangay election is actually as complicated as any level of election in the country. It’s just matter of understanding its anatomical parts to formulate the right campaign strategy. The only thing that makes it different is that, in other levels, people vote for a candidate even if they have not seen, talked or even have not met the candidate. In barangay election, a house-to-house campaign style is essential. There is a need to talk with everyone, as in everyoe. At this level, people are more sensitive and often cry out loud when a candidate missed shaking one’s hand. It’s a “no show, no vote” system no matter how qualified the candidate is.

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

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On Road Arrogance

On Road Arrogance

By Taga Ibaan Ako

While the government boasts about thousands of miles of constructed concrete roads, lines of drivers applying for and renewing “driver’s license” also takes an unprecedented trend. Their number increase almost exponentially, along with the vehicles registered. According to Land Transportation (LTO) records, the number of driver’s license and permits issued amounts to 3,711,856 in 2006, 3,972,654 in 2007, and 4,184,499 in 2008. Meanwhile, there were 781,741 new motor vehicle registered for the year 2006.

With these statistics, roads are expected not to have any breathing space at all. It good to know there’s a lot who wants to be in the service of others, particularly in public transportation. Unfortunately, not everyone can be called “educated driver”. Worst, with bad luck, road arrogance is all there is when you cruise the street with them. Sad to say, such arrogance results to accidents which, in the first place, could be avoided.

But of course, there are still those who know their obligations and responsibilities when driving. These people understand what “road courtesy” means. That’s a breather, though.

Here then are some of the common forms of arrogance you’ll find on the road.

The Snake

Snake driving is one of the deadliest ways to drive. Discourtesy involves butting –in even with a nil space available, forcing others to slide side ways to avoid getting hit. This way, vehicles on the opposite lane are made to jump into their brakes so as to give way for the head coming their way. What’s so irritating about this is that, these snakes would pin their horn as hard as they can to the point you get so surprised is to see someone suddenly popping before your bumper. This may result to disorientation of one’s concentration. Basically, motor cycles do this; knowing they can go faster than the others on split-second rev.

Guess what, a Facebook account was even created by people sharing their own nightmares with these snakes.

The Horn

Growing up in the country side made me so used with the sound of “kuliglig” at night. Their orchestra-like music, together with bull frogs, hardly rings a bell in one’s ear. But moving down the city, street sound coming from a vehicles’ horn just destroyed the way how music is being appreciated. This is where you find the relentless thundering blowing of horns.

Jeepneys, being the king of the road, perfectly love to do this. In their attempt to be noticed by would-be-passengers, horns are rolled out an ulcer-incubating and nerve cracking, long and continued manner. The thing is, it is sometimes done as if there’s a rave party on the street. I wonder why they do that when it can be in short durations.

In Memphis, during the earlier time, an ordinance known as Anti-Noise Ordinance was passed. After 8pm, the city is quite, practically speaking, as a grave. Silence and repose is very much valued by the people. To protect this, the ordinance bans all “loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises”. So to speak, it includes blaring vehicle horns, except to avoid accident. In San Juan, Metro Manila, “Anti- Noise Pollution Ordinance” was passed and approved in 2007 to regulate unwanted, human-created noise caused by transportation sources, principally motor vehicles and others. Others followed this example.

The Bull

As per LTO or TDRO’s list of traffic violations, this is called counter flow. This may be forgivable in interior roads. But on the main road, this is bullying.

Imagine yourself driving on a clear lane ahead of you. You have the right of way since you’re on the right lane. The left lane, assuming, is jammed with traffic. Then all of a sudden, a vehicle cut itself lose from other side and went on head to head on you in a desperate attempt to pass the traffic. It’s either you swerve deep right to avoid it or stop to give way.

In once instance, as reported by Abner Mercado in February 7, 2010, a man was arrested for countering the other lane after getting irritated with the traffic in Edsa. The man’s car slammed with 20 other vehicles. This is no accident. It’s just a plain case of arrogance and being impatient.

In cases like this, motor bikes are most disrespected by these bulls. I myself have fallen victim to this. And most of the time, these hard-headed bulls involve SUVs with commemorative plates, including those with red plates. At one time, I stopped in the middle of my lane, and refuse to give way. I have the right-of-way. The bull went back to his lane butting his way in to his lane. Respect begets respect.

The Kite

Before a kite could steady itself in the sky, it swerves abruptly and erratically to uncertain directions. On the road, this is almost synonymous to snake driving. But the thing that makes it more despicable is that, they don’t use signal lights! Have you been not a defensive driver, expect to take a bang on your rear from this practice.

Every driver knows that appropriate use of signal lights is imperative. This is called upon when turning, changing lane or when stopping for an exit from a roundabout. Unfortunately, most of the drivers don’t seem to know their importance in avoiding vehicular accidents. They must have not been told when they applied for a license.

Motor vehicle must be equipped with signal lights. In general, turning movements require signals to be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by a vehicle before turning. If a driver is driving at 35 mph or more, the motorist must signal at least 300 feet before turning. If the vehicle’s turn lights don’t work, the motorist must at least use hand signals.

Admit it or not, culprits include jeepney drivers (especially when picking up and letting go of passengers), motor bikes on belief they could escape with it easily, tricycle drivers who usually their legs to make a signal. Sometimes, cars, though equipped with complete signal lights, also forget about this. On the other hand, granted they use signal lights, they leave and let them blink for a long even after they’ve made their turn. Expectedly, this would cause confusion to other driver/vehicle on their tail.

Remember, hand signal is not enough. Make a good use of both of them.

The Light Maniac

Every vehicle is built with lights. They have their own purpose, all of which are intended for everyone’s safety. But what if the driver renders himself naïve of their function, particularly the head lights? That will be a problem. And this is another arrogance in the making.

Nobody wants to be blinded. However, this is where you’re leading to when the vehicle at your opposite direction flashes his light like those in Alcatraz Prison searching for fugitives. These are the drivers who don’t understand the word “dim lights”.

Improper use of lights include driving with bright lights, failure to dim lights, glaring lights, driving with unauthorized or too many lights and driving with improper lights to the rear.

As a piece of advice, in general, headlights must be used under the following circumstances:

· when a driver cannot see because of insufficient light on gray days, or in heavy traffic when the vehicle may seem to blend with the surroundings

· when there are unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke or smog

· when driver cannot see pedestrians or vehicle on the highway for a distance of 1,000 feet ahead of the vehicle the driver is operating

· between sunset and sunrise, and

· when driving through work zones

On the other hand, the driver of a standing or parked vehicle must understand that keeping his headlights on constitute a source of danger to others. Thus, hazard lights are more fitting to use. For hazard warning lights, they must be continuously used when a driver is unable to maintain a speed of the minimum speed due to weather or other similar factors, or is unable to maintain a speed consistent with the normal flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, it must be remembered that, by virtue of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Memorandum Circular dated March 23, 1999, “dazzling lights”, “fog lamps”, “broken tail lights”, “broken tail lens”, and “unauthorized rear/side/spot white or neon lights of any color” are all banned. Thus, their use is apparently illegal. Much more to this, Presidential Decree No. 96, which have been in effect since 1973, prohibits the use of dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways. The prohibition also includes the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds. And this is the part which is mostly violated by The Horns.

The Middle Man

Stopping at the middle of the road is an egotistical display of machismo. This is often seen from those who couldn’t care about stopping at road’s shoulder or on the road side for any necessity. Others sometimes would make a halt on the road to talk with another driver instead of parking in full. It appears like they don’t realize that they constitute road obstruction and pose danger to other motorists.

In most instances, some jeepneys can’t afford to do this, again, when picking or unloading passengers. Garbage trucks and other government vehicles also join this party with no regard for others being put into hold and delayed by their actions.

Roads are not constructed for the benefit of the few. Nobody owns them; they’re for public use. In that sense, no one has the right to cause trouble with any other motorists on the road. If you don’t want to be considered as an arrogant one, then give respect to road users. Don’t be such a nuisance. Our life is at stake and it depends on it. And if you think you don’t belong to any of those we’ve mentioned, then there’s no reason for you to flare. Once we take a hold of our license to drive, we are already under obligation to be a responsible one. Not an arrogant one.

Taga Ibaan Ako: The Art Of Gang Rape In Philippines

Taga Ibaan Ako: The Art Of Gang Rape In Philippines: " Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NO..."

The Art Of Gang Rape In Philippines

The Art of Gang Rape In Philippines

By: Taga Ibaan Ako

Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia. With this, it is expected that we carry with us, and that we grew up with high regard for morality and decency. But with the gang rapes hugging the headlines lately, seems like Muslim countries have drowned and taken over us from being an ultra conservative country. Gang rape stories have been all over the news and it’s beginning to become a habit for ill mannered men over the country. The question now here is, what does it take for a gang rape to be consummated? Let’s see what we can deduce of it.

Gang rape, also known as mass rape, basically occurs when a group of people participate in the rape of a single person or victim (This one goes both ways for men and women; for men can also be a victim of the same crime as perpetrated by women.). More often than not, participants plan for this and set a situation to lure their victim. Moreover, perpetrators may also be only triggered by a plain spur of the moment to perform such out of the desire to experience thrill, adventure and to exercise dominance over the victim. Unfortunately, some cases remain unreported for most reasons known only to victims.

In its broadest sense, gang rape is rape by itself. In Philippine jurisprudence, like any other countries, rape is considered a heinous crime punishable by life imprisonment. As defined in the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (a revision of the Revised Penal Code of 1930), the crime of rape is defined as follows:

Article 226-A. When And How Rape is Committed:

A. By a man who shall have carnal knowledge of a woman under any of the following circumstances:

a. Through force, threat, or intimidation;

b. When the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious;

c. By means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority; and

d. When the offended party is under twelve (12) years of age or is demented, even though none of the circumstances mentioned above are present.

B. By any person who, under any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 1 hereof, shall commit an act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into another person’s moth or anal orifice, or any instrument or object, into the genital or anal orifice of another person.

In case of gang rape, the above mentioned elements are present. Plus the fact that such crime is further aggravated when participated by two more persons to pin down a victim.

Gang Rape Cases in the Philippines

One of the most celebrated gang rape case In the Philippines occurred back in 1967 involving Magdalena T. de la Riva (a.k.a. Maggie de la Riva) who appeared in almost 80 films. She was a rising young star of ABS-CBN when she was kidnapped, tortured and gang-raped at the Swanky Hotel in Pasay City by a notorious gang of young men.

Maggie was on her way home from the broadcasting company aboard her bantam car around 4:30am when a Pontiac convertible car cut her way. The gang, composed of Jose Gomes, Basilio Pineda, Eduardo Aquino Y Payumo, Rogelio Canal Y Sevilla (principals) with accomplishes Wong Lay Pueng, Silvero Guanzon and Jessie Guion, having conspired together, forcibly took her at Swanky Hotel. There, she was made to dance naked. After which, by means of intimidation and deadly weapon, raped her successively only to be left in front of the Free Press Building near Efipanio delos Santos Avenue and Channel 5.

Another case that held spotlight for some months was that of Subic Rape Case. It became so popular and achieved political and international significance because of the Visiting Forces Agreement between US and Philippines, which had been the subject of protests from the beginning. The case almost turned into a circus when, initially, Suzette Nicolas also known as Nicole, alleged that she was gang-raped by four (4) US Marines Dominic Duplantis, Keith Silkwood, Chad Capentier and Daniel Smith. Few days later, she changed her statements confessing that only Lance Corporal Daniel Smith raped her inside a moving Starex van at Alvara Pier in Subic. And that the other US Marines were inside the van cheering for Daniel Smith. During the trial, Smith stated that it was a consensual sex since Nicole agreed on it. In the end, Smith was convicted and Nicole was given the chance to go to US.

Lately, the country again went under siege by similar stories. The latest was that of a volunteer nurse in Timanan, South Upi, Maguindanao, who was raped by 6 men. Accordingly, the victim was on her way to visit a midwife in Timanan when dragged down by at least 10 males who took turn in raping her. The victim was found naked and unconscious the following day. The sad part is, she was rendered half-paralyzed due to severe head injuries which may lead to permanent paralysis. There indications that the victim was strangled with the intention of killing the victim. Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Provincial Health Officer of Maguindanao was even quoted saying “Sirang-sira ang mukha. Noong Makita hindi makilala. She was half naked”.

Earlier the above mentioned case, another gang rape transpired in Quezon City when Janzen Ruckenbrod and two others kidnapped and took advantage of 25-year old “Jessica”. Narrating her ordeal, Jessica said she was waiting for a jeepney ride in front of Maalikaya Sauna House along Quezon Avenue last September 23, 2010 when she was taken by 3 men on board a Mitsubishi Fuzion (ZRT 628). According to her, she was molested inside the car and was brought to a house in Fairview, where she was gang-raped, then left naked on the road. She also said that the suspects fired a gun before forcing her into the car to scare away people around them. Luckily, her sister who was with her was able to get the plate number of the vehicle that led to the arrest of Ruckenbrod. Few days later, another victim of Ruckenbrod spilled her story that she too had experienced the same fate on the former’s hand.

Patterns of Gang Rape

In most cases, patterns of gang rapes are similar and obvious. They usually have the following characteristics:

a. Victims are usually dragged into a vehicle through the use of force and intimidation.

b. Suspects choose victims that are alone or appear to be helpless even though with a companion.

c. Since it is classified as gang rape, the victim is over powered by the suspects in terms of number and strength.

d. Victims are sometimes lured and deceived to go to a place where suspects are waiting.

e. Gang rapes are also practiced in fraternity initiations.

f. It often involves drugs and liquors where the perpetrators are high with it while the victims are made to drink until it render them too weak to fight or at least scream.

Statistics

Statistics on the incidence of gang rape are usually based on available police records. More often, these are inaccurate and not a true representation of the problem, for cultural and social stigmatization associated with rape act as significant barriers to women reporting rape. Furthermore, women are more likely not to report rape if there is little support from their families, law enforcement agencies and health sector. In the Philippines, The Asian Women Resource Exchange (AWORC), an internet-based women’s information service, reports that 794 rapes occurred in Philippines in the first four months of 1997.

During the first semester of 1999 alone, there were 2,393 children who fell prey to rape, attempted rape, incest, acts of lasciviousness and prostitution. As of 2006, rape continued to be a problem, with most cases going unreported. During the year, the PNP reported 685 rape cases. There were reports or rape and sexual abuse of women in police or protective custody –often women from marginalized groups, such as suspected prostitutes, drug users, and lower income individuals arrested for minor crimes. The situation continued in 2007, with the number reported rape cases increasing to 879.

Silence

Most victims of gang rape remain silent for months before reporting the crime. Obet Montes, coordinator for services of the women’s group GABRIELA, say this is due to the victim’s fear of society’s judgment, of not wanting to be branded as “maduming babae” (dirty woman). She says further that a rape victim becomes so afraid that she is going to be blamed for that crime; that she denies that she was violated.

Other Cases of the Gang Rapes As Reported

1. On Jan. 30, 2010, Saturday, an unspeakable crime took place in Antique and shocked the peace-loving people who have not known anything like it. A teenage high school student and cheerleader was raped and murdered in a manner so heinous it was unprecedented in Antique’s history.

According to a report, that evening, the victim, an only daughter of a prominent family, was riding on a motorcycle with her boyfriend along a road in Dalipe village when a group of men hit them with a wooden club. The boy lost consciousness. The men then brought the girl to a place called “Kampo,” an area near the police headquarters. The men took turns raping the girl. And while they were brutalizing her, her cell phone rang. The girl’s mother was on the line asking about her daughter’s whereabouts. The man who answered the phone told the mother that her daughter was fornicating. He said it in a most vulgar way in the local dialect and I don’t want to quote what he said.

The girl was found dead the following day. She looked like she had been clubbed on the head. She could hardly be recognized because of the lacerations on her face. A sharp weapon had been used on her face. Her body bore marks of beating. Her sexual organ was slashed and stuffed with sand, plastic and pieces of wood (Gang-rape murder in Antique, by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Philippine Daily Inquirer).

2. The report said the victims, 14 and 17 years old, were invited by a schoolmate to the birthday party. However, they were surprised to see 10 to 15 members of a fraternity group waiting for them. Some of them were already drunk, one of the victims said.

The 14-year-old victim said one of the suspects molested her. The eight other suspects gang-raped the 17-year-old. The 14-year-old victim said her 17-year-old friend was traumatized by what happened to her (www.gmanews.tv, 10/06/2010)

3. A 17-year-old girl who died after she was allegedly gang-raped by four men in the southern town of Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental. The victim, “Janet” (not her real name), had claimed in a dying declaration, that she was gang-raped repeatedly by four men, one of whom she had named. The father told reporters that they were not aware of her ordeal until shortly before she died, when they noticed unusual things about her, to include infected breasts and genitals (Philippine News Agency, October 17, 2008, tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com).

4. Bacong PNP Chief Inspector Leopold Ijan Sr. said that a woman surfaced and complained that she was gang raped by six men at Martisan Beach. The incident occurred while she and her boyfriend were strolling along Martisan Beach. Worse, her boyfriend was pinned on the ground by the suspects and forced to watch while they took turns of raping her.

Police operatives from both the Bacong and Dumaguete PNP have jointly captured two of the gang members namely Mario Dindo Tabanag of Sacsac, Bacong who yield a .22 caliber hand gun and some pieces of jewelry and Danilo Celestial, alias Enteng who was nabbed in Purok Santan, Taclobo, Dumaguete City with one caliber 38 revolver snubnose with four live ammunitions, one white plastic container with marijuana leaves, 3 cellular phones, 2 chargers, one pair pearl earrings, hairclip, ring, Australian coins and one coin purse (Negros Chronicle, Front Page, by DRT Demecillo)

5. Ayon sa biktima, nagkita-kita sila ng kanyang mga kaklase bandang hapon at sinabihan pa umano siya ng 15-anyos na babaeng suspek na ‘freeday’ at may general assembly. Inakala umano ng biktima na may meeting lamang sa eskwelahan kaya sumama siya sa grupo ng mga suspek hanggang sa dinala siya sa isang bakanteng kuwarto sa loob ng campus. May dala pa umanong alak ang mga suspek at nag-inuman nang patago sa mga guwardiya ng PUP. Pilit umanong pinainom ng alak ang biktima hanggang sa nahilo at nanghina na ito. Narinig pa umano ng biktima ang pagtawa ng babae na tila nagbugaw sa kanya at sinasabi pa umano nito ang mga katagang “basta binyagan ninyo ‘yan.”

Kasunod nito ay may sumampal pa umano sa biktima habang ang iba naman ay pinaghahalikan na ito saka hinubaran bago tuluyang hinalay ng grupo ng mga kalalakihan. May nakatutok pa umanong patalim sa katawan ng biktima. Nawalan na umano ng ulirat ang biktima at nang magising ito ay madilim na madilim na.
Hindi na umano maalala ng biktima kung paano siya nakauwi ng bahay.

Samantala, naantala umano ang pagsusumbong ng biktima sa kanyang mga kapamilya dala na rin ng takot matapos pagbantaan ng mga suspek na siya’y papatayin. Gayunpaman, napansin ng kanyang pamilya ang kakaibang kilos ng biktima kung saan
kada oras ay gusto nitong maligo at madalas pang sabihin na maduming-madumi siya. Hindi rin umano makakain, makatulog at natatakot na ring pumasok sa eskwelahan ang dalagita kaya masinsinang kinausap ng kanyang ina at kapatid na babae hanggang sa umamin na ito sa kanyang mapait na karanasan (, www.abante-tonite.com, June 25, 2010)

6. 2 High School Students Biktima Ng Frat Gang-Rape

Kwento ng third year high school na si “Ana," niyaya siya ng kanyang ka-eskwelang si “Isabel” noong September 23 para dumalo sa birthday ng kanyang kuya. Isinaman ni “Ana” ang matalik na kaibigang si “Bing” pero fraternity pala ang sasalubong sa kanila sa isla.

"Wala naman palang birthday party. nag-iinuman lang sila tapos yung sinasabi niyang kapatid, di naman totoo at di rin niya pinsan ang mga yun," ayon kay Ana.

Pinilit umano silang painumin ng mga lalakio at dinala sa magkahiwalay na kuwarto. Isa ang gumahasa kay “Ana” habang ang kaibigan niyang si “Bing” ay pinagpasa-pasahan umano ng walong lalaki. "Nung pauwi na nilagnat na ako. Walo sila. Nagmakaawa na ako sa kanila," dagdag ni Bing.

Dahil sa banta, natakot silang magsumbong pero naawa na raw si “Ana” kay “Bing” kaya humingi sila ng tulong sa kanilang guro. SI Isabel naman na umano’y nagyaya sa kanila sa isla, hindi na nakitang pumasok pa sa eskwelahan. (Barabara Mijaers, Patrol ng Pilipino Negros Occidental)

7. Arestado ang apat na kalalakihan at isang babae matapos na positibong ituro ng 16-anyos na dalagita na kanilang ginang-rape noong Lunes sa Maynila kung saan nahawaan pa ito ng sakit na gonorrhea o sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Sa harap ni Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, lumuluhang itinuro ng biktima ang mga suspect na sina Patrick Broso, 26, ng Natividad St., Sta. Cruz, Maynila kasama ang tatlong menor-de-edad pang mga kabataan at isa pang babae na sinasabing barkada ng biktima.

Batay sa report, naganap ang insidente dakong alas-12 ng tanghali noong Oktubre 19 matapos na maglayas ang biktima noong Oktubre 18 nang mapagalitan ng kanyang nanay. Sumama ang biktima sa kaibigan nitong babae kung saan dinala naman ito sa bahay ng isa sa mga suspect. Dito ay naabutan ng biktima at suspect na babae na nag-iinuman ang grupo at saka niyayang uminom ang una.

Hindi nagtagal nakaramdam ng pagkahilo ang biktima at doon na siya sinimulang palitang hinalay ng mga suspect na kinunan pa ng video. Bukod dito sinabi pa ng ina ng biktima na pinasakan pa ng bote ng mountain dew ang ari ng kanyang anak na posibleng dahilan ng pananakit nito hanggang ngayon. Kaugnay nito, isang man­hunt operation naman ang isinasagawa ng pulisya laban sa dalawa pang suspect na nakilalang sina Jerry Mc Guire at Christian Bautista. (Pilipino Star Ngayon Doris Franche, October 24, 2009)

8. PORMAL nang kinasuhan ang anim miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na inakusahang halinhinang gumahasa sa isang 20-anyos babae sa Taguig City.

Sinampahan ng kasong rape ng biktima sa Philippine National Police at PCG ang mga suspek na sina Apprentice Seaman JP Raymundo, PO3 Havar Copoz, Apprentice Seaman Reo Omar at tatlong iba pa.

Aniya, naganap ang insidente noong Marso 2 dakong 10:30 p.m. sa loob ng PCG headqurters sa nasabing lungsod.

Sinabi ng biktima na naninirahan lamang malapit sa base, inimbitahan siya ni Raymundo sa loob ng headquarters ngunit nadatnan niya ang limang iba pa habang nag-iinoman.

Pinilit aniya siyang uminom ng beer ngunit nang malasing ay halinhinan siyang ginahasa ng mga suspek.

“Sabi ko ayoko na. Inom pa raw dahil ihahatid naman ako. Nanghina na ako, pero may malay pa ako kasi nararamdaman ko pa ang hawak nila, nagtatawanan sila,” aniya.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng PCG, nakompirmang nagkaroon ng inoman sa loob ng base noong Marso, kasama ng mga suspek ang biktima.

“Nakalulungkot ang pangyayaring ito. Binibigyan namin ng assurance na hindi natin ipinagwawalang-bahala ang reklamong ito,” pahayag ni PCG spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo (hatawtabloid.com, L. Basilio / J. Garcia, 11 March 2010).