KAUGAO, Apayao – “No rape case shall be settled amicably.” The words hung heavy in the air as Apayao Lone District Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang delivered a message that cut through pleasantries during the inauguration of the Department of Education (DepEd) facilities in Kabugao on Monday, March 10.
It was not the usual speech about progress or infrastructure. It was a demand for accountability.
Speaking before students, teachers, parents, and residents, the lawmaker did not sugar-coat the growing crisis of sexual violence and the troubling trend of amicable settlements that allow perpetrators to walk free.
“It is Women’s Month, and this must be said first. Rape cases are increasing in the province, and what is worse is that, most victims are children. They now have access to mobile phones, and some are being lured, manipulated, or exposed to things beyond their understanding. Even minors are now committing rape. This is not the time to be complacent,” she said.
She turned to parents and educators, and urged them to tighten their watch over children, not only for their own safety, but for the safety of others. “Do not assume that just because they are kids, they are incapable of harm. Even minors are now capable of destroying lives.”
The Congresswoman also announced on-going talks with Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. to make sure that rape victims receive legal support. Under this program, the provincial government will shoulder legal expenses for victims whose families cannot afford to pursue cases. “If a parent cannot afford to bring their child’s case to court, the provincial government will step in. No parent should be forced to drop a case just because they do not have money.”
But the lady legislator had an even sharper warning for those who believe settlements are a solution. “We do not want rape cases to be settled. We do not want to hear about cases that disappear because a family chose to negotiate with the rapist. If they must go to jail, they must go to jail. This is how we bring rape cases down in Apayao.”
The numbers are damning. Data from the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) reveals that 279 cases filed from 2007 to the present. 2023 alone saw 32 cases, the highest ever recorded in the province. Last year, there were 28 cases filed.
But these numbers do not tell the full story. Most rapes are not reported immediately. Many victims are too afraid, too ashamed, or too traumatized to come forward. Some never do.
The PPO confirmed that many victims file cases long after the abuse happens, often after struggling with fear and stigma. But when they speak out, the data shows a scary pattern. The majority of the victims are minors. 109 cases involved children between seven and 15 years old. 40 cases involved 16- to 17-year olds. 25 cases involved victims aged 18-21. And the worst part is that many of these crimes were committed by people the victims knew. Sometimes even by their own relatives.
Bulut-Begtang likewise pointed out that some assaults are happening even during school hours, a frightening reality that demands stronger parental involvement. “Imagine—children are being raped when they are supposed to be in school. What kind of parent settles that? What kind of parent lets that go?”
Her message was an ultimatum. Parents, teachers, and even leaders were put on notice. Protect your children, demand justice, and refuse to turn a blind eye. Because if silence continues, so will the violence. By Jess Christley Marquez
