PNP conducts orientation seminar for first responders of gender-based violence

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb.21 (PIA)... The Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SPPO) headed by provincial director PSSUPT JOHN CA JAMBORA, conducted a two - day Orientation Seminar for First Responders of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Trafficking in Person (TIP) Cases last week February 16-17, held here at the PNP conference room in line with the commitment of the PNP to strengthen the promotion and advocacy of the rights of women and children.

Thirty policewomen coming from   Sorsogon City and the 14 municipalities, assigned as Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) and Family Juvenile Gender Advocacy Development (FJGAD) - PNCO Officer were the participants of the said training.

The police-participants were the identified first responder-personnel in case of gender-based violence and were oriented on the protocols and immediate response to be provided to victims along the conduct of investigation, filing of cases and especially in finding solutions to the problems being encountered in handling cases involving women and children, particularly on gender-based crimes and trafficking in person cases.

Competent and experienced lecturers comprised the resource persons coming from the Department of Justice, Visayan Forum Foundation, Police Regional Office 5, and Sorsogon Police Provincial Office. 

The topics discussed were: Legal Framework of Trafficking in Person Under RA 9208; How to Interview a Trafficked Person; Investigation, Evidence Gathering and Rescue Operations in TIP Cases; Legal Frameworks of Gender-Based Violence under RA 9262;  Basic Gender Concept; Referral System ; and How to Conduct Advocacy Campaign

The pool of speakers were: PINSP Jennifer F Pertez, ,WCPD/HRAO, Sorsogon PPO Atty. Melbert J. Balicano Provincial Prosecutor; SPO3 Mildred V Jintalan, Asst. WCPD, Sorsogon PPO Atty Lilibeth Ranara PAO Lawyer; PINSP Glaiza  A Padua C, RFJGAD, PRO5; PCI Leah B Supelana C, RWCPD, PRO5; Ms Evelyn Ubaldo RD, Visayan Forum Foundation; PO1 Kharen Formales and PO1 Joy Rabe.

According to PD Jambora, the SPPO will continue to enhance the capability of policewomen and personnel assigned in the women's desk and will continue its partnership with agencies and non-governmental organization in the advocacy to address gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.

"Here in the province of Sorsogon, the PNP will continue to advocate partnership and spearhead extending development assistance in human resource development particularly in the education and promotion of women and children’s rights."

"As partners we will continue to work together to train and educate our personnel and adhere to rights-based policing towards a citizen-friendly institution mandated to serve and protect everyone," he said during the closing of the activity. (PIA-SORSOGON)