LUNA, Apayao – Apayao Lone District Representative Cong. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, during the turnover of command ceremony for the Apayao Police Provincial Office (APPO) on September 19, praised the police in the province for a good job, but underscored the critical but under-discussed issue – violence against women and children – while calling for more practical solutions and stronger preventative measures.
Apayao has made a huge progress in terms of peace and order and Bulut-Begtang credited the strong partnership between the local governments, law enforcement, and the national line agencies.
She noted that the province’s rapid development was a result of continuous dialogue and coordination. “Partners tayo. We all play a part in the development of Apayao. Monthly tayong nag-uusap kung ano man ang mga kailangang gawin at mga problemang dapat solusyunan,” she remarked.
While lauding the police force for maintaining Apayao’s reputation as the most peaceful province in the Cordillera, she urged law enforcement to intensify efforts to combat crimes like rape, which she described as a pressing concern.
“Isa pong naging problema natin is yung violence against women and children. Rape is one of the very frustrating things na nangyayari dito sa Apayao. If you try to compare it to other provinces, mababa yan sa tingin natin. Pero sana sa Apayao, wala pong rape na nagaganap,” Bulut-Begtang said.
Cong. Leah’s remarks came as part of a broader call to shift the focus from prosecution to prevention in addressing these serious offenses.
The congresswoman also announced a PhP10 million fund allocation for the construction of an office dedicated to the Women and Children Protection Desk in the province. She noted that this facility would empower policewomen to have a space for addressing sensitive cases involving women and children.
“Sigurado na po yan, kasama na po sa budget. Wala nang rason ang ating mga kababaihan sa kapulisan na wala silang opisina,” she stated.
“Ang hiling ko lang, pagtibayin sana natin ang prevention. Mas gusto ko yon kaysa doon sa nanghuhuli, kasi hindi naman ito ang solusyon kasi nangyari na yung krimem,” she added while calling on law enforcement and the community to work together to stop violence before it occurs.
The congresswoman also voiced her desire for greater involvement in discussions about protecting women. “I am longing for that time na kalalakihan naman ang maging speaker during women’s day. Laging pinag uusapan ang mga rights ng mga babae pero walang lalaking tumatayo para magsalita tungkol sa pag-protect nila sa mga kababaihan,” she said as she encourages more men to stand as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.
The ceremony which marked the transition of leadership from outgoing Provincial Director Police Colonel Jefferson Cariaga to incoming PCol. Arnold Razote was punctuated by the congresswoman’s powerful call to action. With the leadership shifting in APPO, Bulut-Begtang made it clear that the fight against violence – particularly against women and children – must remain a top priority for law enforcement in the province. By Jess Christley Marquez
