THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION DESK PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN
PROTECTION DESK PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN
CORDILLERA ADMINITRATIVE REGION

__________________________

A Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School
Pangasinan State University
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

__________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master in Development Management
major in Public Management

_________________________

by

Mely Rita Anamong -Davis
February 2010

APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Development

Management, major in Public Management, this thesis entitled, “THE

IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION DESK

PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN CORDILLERA ADMINITRATIVE REGION”

has been prepared and submitted by Mely Rita Anamong - Davis, is hereby approved and

accepted.

LETICIA B. URSUA, Ed. D. JOSEFINA B. BITONIO, D.P.A.
Critic Reader Adviser

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination

ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Ed. D.
Chairman

MELITON G. DASSUN, M.D.M. FLORITA G. LOPEZ, Ed. D.
Member Member

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master in

Development Management major in Public Management.

ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Ed.D. VICTORIANO C. ESTIRA, Ph.D.
Dean President

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With profound thanks and gratitude, the researcher acknowledges the assistance

of those who in one way or another contributed to the completion of this study.

DR. ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Dean Gradute School, Pangasinan State University;

for being the Chairman of her panel and for moderating intelligently, diplomatically and

smoothly which served as inspiration to the researcher to do better;

DR. JOSEFINA B. BITONIO, her adviser and at the same time the MDM

Program Adviser, for her full support and understanding and for gladly sharing her time

and expertise to whom she owes a debt of gratitude beyond measure;

PROF MELITON G. DASSUN, his challenging encouragement that kept her

aflame to finish this study;

DR. FLORITA G. LOPEZ, for her patience, guidance and valuable

suggestions;

DR. LETICIA B. URSUA, her critique reader, who helped improved the

quality and relevance of her study;

MDM classmates for their for their support and warm friendship that played a

role in this undertaking;

PDEA staff that helped in gathering data and for their love and moral support;

DSWD and PNP staff who gave their support in providing data needed in this

study and their cooperation during the conduct of the study;

iii

Her beloved family for their full support, understanding, patience and endless

encouragement; Above all, her deep thanks and gratitude to the God almighty for giving

her strength, and determination to pursue this study.

Mely Rita Anamong -Davis

iv

DEDICATION

This humble piece of work

is dedicated to

the women police for their courageous

and honorable act in protecting and handling of cases

committed against women and

children in the Philippines

Mely

v

ABSTRACT

Researcher: Mely Rita Anamong -Davis

Degree / Specialization: Master in Development Management,
Public Management

Research Title: The Implementation of the Women and Children Protection
Desk Programs and Services in Cordillera Administrative
Region

Adviser: Josefina B. Bitonio, D.P.A.

Institution: Pangasinan State University Graduate School

Address: Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

The study employed the descriptive design in assessing the implementation of

the Women and Children Protection Desk programs and services in Cordillera

Administrative Region. There were 50 respondents consisting of police officers in

charge for WCPD and social workers of the municipality/provincial/city of the

Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative.

Questionnaire checklist was used in data gathering. Based on the data gathered, the

following are the salient findings. The findings are summarized in the order of which the

problems are raised and hypothesis posed in this study.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDRED PROTECTION
DESKS (WCPD) IN THE CORDILLERAM ADMINBISTRATIVE REGION

Location. Data shows that 11 WCPD (45.83%) are found in Baguio City while 13

offices (54.17%) are located in the province of Benguet. Date Established. Three

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(14.28%) offices were established between 1999–present while 21 ( 85.72%) offices

were created during the period 1993–1998. Number of Employees. A total of 23

offices (95.83%) have employees of 1 to 10. Only one (1) have 11 and above

employees. Facilities. The facilities are categorized into three aspects: the building ,

equipment and vehicles. One office has a building of its own, 23 (95.83%) have offices

that are attached to PNP stations. Three offices (14.28%) have their own computers and

type writers and 21 (85.72%) are sharing the use of equipments. One (4.17%) office

owned a vehicle and 23 (95.83%) offices are without vehicle of their own.

CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN ASSISTED BY THE WCPD.

Anti-violence against women and their children ( RA 9262). Physical violence

ranks 1st with a frequency of 47, sexual abuse ranks 2nd with frequency of 28,

economic abused ranks 3rd with 27 and psychological violence ranks the 4th with 24.

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353). Sexual Assault ranked number 1st with a

frequency of 33 as crime committed under this law while with carnal knowledge follows

with 31, ranks, 2nd.

Cases Under Revised Penal code (RPC). Crime on physical injuries is apparent

ranked number 1st with a frequency of 45 followed by acts of lasciviousness with 36,

ranks 2nd .

Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610). Sexual abuse committed against children is

leading with a frequency of 25 while physical abuse comes next with 11.

vii

Children in Conflict with the Law (RA 9344). The crime of theft ranked number

1 with a frequency of 47, physical injuries as second with 39, rape ranked number 3 with

18, robbery follows with 16 and curfew for minors ranked last with 16.

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY OF OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO PROTECT
THE RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN

On Administrative. All the items or indicators that were rated “very

satisfactory” as follows: handling cases involving women and children violence (4.12);

managing people (4.00); handling cases of CICL (3.98); gender sensitivity awareness

(3.92); and handling a number of personnel (3.22). The overall weighted mean is 3.85

interpreted as “very satisfactory”.

On Managerial. All indicators on managerial aspects were rated “very

satisfactory” along the following: knowledge on the organizational goals was rated the

highest (4.04); gets along and very effective in dealing with the public (3.96); manifest

experienced in handling cases of VAWC (3.92); making decisions (3.88); and sensitivity

to the needs of the followers (3.80). The overall weighted mean is 3.92 interpreted as

very satisfactory.

On Technical. All indicators in technical leadership capability were rated very

satisfactory on the following: sensitivity in dealing with rape victims (3.98);

development of proper coordination with agency (3.96); dealing with victims (3.84);

development of well-learned procedures in investigation (3.82); and proper handling of

evidences (3.80). The overall weighted mean is 3.88 interpreted as very satisfactory.

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On Financial. All the indicators in financial matters have a rating of very

satisfactory along: traveling had the highest mean rating of (3.53), sufficient

materials/production of information leaflets on VAWC (3.35), supplies and materials

available in the office (3.31); provision of sufficient equipment and facilities in dealing

with VAWC cases (3.29); and adequate provision of physical facilities (3.22). The overall

weighted mean is 3.34.

LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICES

On Preventive Measure. There are four indicators which have a rating of

“often” are: conduct seminars on the laws of women and children protection to the

community (3.73), dissemination of information on violence against women and their

children services (3.59) production and regular distribution of VAWC information

education and communication (3.57) and gender sensitivity awareness (3.53) while the

indicator on the information drive on anti-trafficking (3.29) has a rating of “ sometimes”

The overall weighted mean is 3.54 with a descriptive rating of “often”.

On Investigation Services. The three indicators on investigatory services have a

rating of “always” are: availability of female police officers to receive complaints calls

for assistance in VAW cases(4.33), immediate attention given to victims with injuries

either by applying first aid or are rush to the nearest hospital’s emergency room (4.31)

and giving priority in attending VAWC and trafficking cases (4.29) while two indicators

have a rating of “often” along provision of telephone number, name of police officers to

the victim for follow-up (4.20) and WCPD is 24 hour operational to receive complaints

ix

and assist anytime (4.12). The overall weighted mean is 4.25 with a descriptive rating

of “always”.

On Arrest and Apprehension. The indicators that were rated “often” are:

notifying victim on the release of the perpetrator from custody and the conditions

attached upon his release (4.02); when the perpetrator is not arrested, the reasons are

explained to the victim (4.02); the police officer arrests the perpetrator despite the

claim by the perpetrator that the victim provoked or perpetuated the violence (3.82);

arresting the perpetrators despite the fact that the incident occurred in private place

(3.78) ; and arrest of perpetrators despite the victim’s opposition to the arrest (3.63).

The overall mean is 3.85 with a descriptive rating of “often”.

Conduct of Interview and Investigation. All the indicators on the conduct of

interview and investigations are rated “often”, specifically: The interview and

investigation are conducted by a female officer (4.16), the victim is provided with

information on the services available to her from government agencies and non-

government organizations (4.14), the initial interview and in-depth investigation are

conducted in a separate room with only one authorized person allowed inside (4.08),

child victim interview and investigation is in the presence of a social worker (4.08), the

victim is provided with information on the legal rights and remedies available to

her/him , especially the right to protection (4.06). The overall weighted mean is 4.10

rated as “ often”.

On Confidentiality of Police Blotter, Record and Reports. The Four indicators

with a descriptive rating of “always” are: medico legal examination results and other

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pieces of evidence are packaged and labeled as confidential and stored in a designated

evidence room (4.29); Maintaining of a separate logbook for VAWC incident is always

implemented also with confidentiality (4.27); and access to VAWC logbook is limited to

WCPD personnel (4.25) and on spot and progress reports on all VAWC and case folders

are secured in a locked cabinet (4.23) while one indicator which state that case folders

secured in a locked cabinet has a mean of 4.18 with a descriptive rating of “often”. The

overall weighted mean is 4.25 with a descriptive rating of “always”.

On Investigatory Services Rendered to CICL. All the indicators on services

rendered on initial contact with CICL have a descriptive rating of “always”. These

indicators are the police officers explain to CICL the offense committed (4.39), reasons

for apprehending and likewise the constitutional rights of the offender (4.35), the

apprehending officers identify themselves to the CICL (4.31), bringing the offender to

appropriate medical officer (4.31) and always render the service of not handcuffing or

enforce any instrument to CICL (4.29). The overall mean is 4.33 with a descriptive rating

of “always”.

On the Initial Investigation of Children in Conflict with the Law Services. All the

itemized services rendered on the initial investigation of children in conflict with the law

have a descriptive rating of “always” as follows: making child comfortable during the

initial investigation (4.37); respectful manner of questioning (4.35); considering the best

interest of the CICL (4.33); bringing in only the right person in a private room (4.27);

and releasing CICL when found by the LSWDO that the child acted without discernment

(4.25). The overall weighted mean is 4.32 interpreted as “always”.

xi

DIFFERENCES IN THE LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICES
ACROSS LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY

Preventive Measures across Administrative Leadership Capability. There is a

significant difference in the implementation of preventive measures and the

administration leadership capability of the police officers along: violence against

women and children program and gender sensitivity .

Preventive Measures across Managerial Leadership Capability. There are

significant differences in the level of implementation of preventive measures across the

managerial capability of the police officers. More specifically on the implementation of

violence against women and children program; gender sensitivity; and campaign on

anti-trafficking

Preventive Measures across Technical Leadership Capability. There are

significant difference in the implementation of preventive measures on gender

sensitivity and campaign on anti-trafficking.

Investigatory Services Across Administrative Leadership Capability . There are

significant differences in the implementation of the investigatory services on the

immediate attention given to victims with injuries; giving priority for VAWC and

trafficking cases; and accessibility of WCPD to received complaints and call for

assistance anytime .

Arrest and Apprehension Services Across Administrative Leadership

Capabilities. Significant differences exist in the level of implementation of the arrest

and apprehension services along the release of perpetrators from custody of the

xii

officers, the arrest of perpetrators despite victim’s opposition across administrative

leadership capability.

Conduct of Interview and Investigation Across Administrative Leadership

Capability. The provision of important information to the victim regarding his legal

rights and other privileges showed significant difference with administrative capabilities

of the officers.

Confidentiality across Administrative Leadership Capability. The services on

security of case folders related to the confidentiality of police blotter, records and

reports showed significant difference across the administrative leadership capability of

the officers.

Investigatory Service Across Administrative Leadership Capability. There are

significant differences in the implementation of the services on explaining to the CICLs

his/her offense and inform of his constitutional rights and on the case of not

handcuffing the CICL across the administrative leadership capability of the police

officers.

On Initial Investigation across Administrative Leadership Capability. There is a

significant difference in the implementation of initial investigation and the

administration leadership capability of the police officers along CICL found by the

LSWDO to have acted without discernment.

On Initial Investigation across Managerial Leadership Capability. There are

significant differences in the level of implementation on initial investigation across the

managerial capability of the police officers. More specifically on the implementation of

xiii

making the child comfortable after his arrest ; consider the best interest of the child ;

the manner of questioning of questioning should be respectful and non-threatening;

and when the CICL is found by the LSWDO to have acted with discernment.

On Initial Investigation across Technical Leadership Capability. There is

significant difference in the implementation of initial investigation to CICL on making

him comfortable to best allow the CICL to tell the truth ; bringing the right people ;

consider the best interest of the child; and the manner of questioning should be

respectful and non threatening.

On Physical Facilities. It was noted on the findings that respondent answered

this problem as seldom, meaning it is not a burden on their part as they can serve their

clients properly.

On Personnel. Officers in charge of investigation of VAWC cases are well

trained and properly deployed in order to meet the needs of their clients. Rated as

seldom a problem.

On Interview and Investigation Process. Officers of this desk does not have a

problem, thus, they carry out their functions meeting the needs of their clients without

necessary problems encountered.

On Survivors/Victims Behavior. It was noted that moderately serious were on

investigation on crimes against women; the suspect is forgiven by the victim,

victim/survivor are afraid to file a case against the suspect, desistance to filed a case

against the suspect and non-cooperation of witness/es to testify.

xiv

On Referral Activity. The moderately serious is the slow medico-legal

examination of victims It is also the concern of this research paper to determine the

difference in the level of implementation of the services of the WCPD officers across

the officers’ leadership capability. The succeeding table presents the data for this part.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN
THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

To have a good result of investigation and the protection of victims of violence,

the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) should have a well built and

equipped facilities.

The study would like to know the problems encountered by police officers in

dealing with victims of violence.

On Physical Facilities. The indicator on inadequacy of computers and a direct

telephone line, no separate room purposely for the investigation of VAWC victims and

no play area for minor victims was rated with an average weighted mean of 2.90; 2.88,

2.69, respectively are described as “moderately serious problem” while insufficient

filing cabinet and record room has a mean of 2.59 and no separate comfort room for

women victim has a means of 2.59 interpreted as “least serious”. On the whole, it

could be seen that WCPD officers has “moderately serious problem” (2.73) on physical

facilities.

On personnel. All personnel matters are rated “moderately serious”. The

overall average weighted mean is 2.83 with a descriptive rating of “moderately serious”.

xv

On Interview and Investigation Process. The three indicator with a rating of

“moderately serious” are: conduct of interview and investigation to victims of violence

is 2.86; the victim is not provided with information on the legal rights and remedies

available to her, especially the right to protection order RA 9262 (2.80), and inadequate

information on the legal rights and remedies available to victim (2.75) while interview

and Investigations are not conducted by female officers (2.61) and initial interview and

in dept investigation is not done in a separate room (2.57) interpreted as least serious

problem. The overall mean is (2.72) interpreted as “moderately serious” problem on

the services conduct of interview and investigation to victims of violence.

On Survivors/Victim. One indicator on victim retracting his/her statement and

non-appearance in court was given a rating of 3.47 which is categorized as “much

serious” while the remaining indicators such as: victim is suffering from trauma (3.39)

and non cooperation of child’s parent/guardian (3.39) ; victim cannot identify his/her

abuser (3.27) and child is not afraid to disclose abuses (3.22) were rated as “moderately

serious” problem. The overall mean is 3.35 interpreted as moderately serious problem.

On Investigation on Crimes Against Women. The four indicators have a rating

of “much serious” are: suspect is forgiven by the complainant has a mean of 3.61;

victim/s are afraid to file a case (3.51); desistance to file case

against the suspect (3.45) and non cooperation of witness/es to testify (3.43). The

overall mean is 3.46 interpreted as much serious.

On Referral Activity. One indicator, slow medico-legal examination of victims has a

rating of “much serious” with a mean of 3.43. All the rest were interpreted as

xvi

moderately serious problems such as: slow evaluation of the appropriate psychiatric and

psychological status of the victim (3.35), slow psychosocial intervention (3.31) slow

examination of collected pieces of evidence (3.16) and officer in charge (2.80) was also

rated least serious. The overall rating is 3.21 interpreted as moderately serious.

CONCLUSIONS

Based from the findings of this study, the following conclusions have been

arrived at:

1. The Philippine National Police established the creation of the Women Desk to

attain cases of Violence against women and children in 1995. Majority of the WCPD

offices are established in the province of Benguet while the City of Baguio has a greater

number of women’s’ desk investigators

2. The common crimes attended by WCPD officers are physical violence, sexual

assault, physical injuries, sexual abuse and theft.

3. The leadership capability of the WCPD found out to be proficient in the four

aspects : Administrative, Managerial, Technical and Financial, the WCPD is very much

recognize and empowered to be more successful on their services.

4. The WCPD services to protect the rights of the women and children are

implemented “often” to the clients.

5. The significant implementation of the services on some areas of the indicator

differs from the leadership capability of the WCPD officers.

6. The moderately serious problems on the part of investigation on crimes

against women are the suspect is forgiven by the victim, victim/survivor are afraid to

xvii

file a case against the suspect, desistance to file a case against the suspect and non-

cooperation of witness/es to testify. On referral activity, the moderately serious is the

slow medico-legal examination of victims.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In the light of the foregoing results and conclusions, the following

recommendations are presented:

1. Continuous support and upgrading of the WCPD organization should be made

to meet the real purpose and aim of the office to protect the rights of every women and

children against violence.

2. Thorough counseling of the victim by social workers to avoid retraction of

statement.

3. Improvement of linkages with other government agencies and non

government organization, particularly the partner agencies involved in violence against

women and children in order to satisfy the needs of the victims . Referral activity

particularly on medico-legal examination of victims must be addressed so that the

suffering of victims will not prolong.

4. To attain the purpose of bringing to an end the suffering experienced by

victims of violence in a very long procedure conducting both by police officers and social

workers, a concerted effort must be done by all implementers: police officers, social

workers, doctors, and prosecutors to stop violence, to really put-up a one-stop-center.

xviii

5. Finally, for those who still doubt of the average ratings, a separate study

involving the target respondents of investigators and social workers should be pursued

in the future to confirm or deny the results of this study.

xix

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION DESK PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

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