ALARMING FIGURES (16 as of May 2026): Statutory rape leads Kalinga’s Gender-Based Violence cases

Tabuk City, Kalinga — Statutory rape recorded the highest number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Kalinga as of May 31, 2026, according to a report presented by Atty. Chevrolette Alindayao of the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) during a Child Protection Orientation held at Davidson Hotel in Bulanao on June 10.

According to UNICEF, gender-based violence refers to any harmful act committed against a person based on socially constructed gender differences between males and females. Such offenses can occur in public and private settings, as well as in digital spaces, and may take various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, socio-economic, and cyber violence.

During the orientation, Atty. Alindayao reported that statutory rape accounted for the highest number of GBV cases in the province, with 16 recorded incidents. This was followed by rape, with seven cases; violations of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, with four cases; and acts of lasciviousness, including child abuse through lascivious conduct, also with four cases.

Under Philippine law, individuals found guilty of these offenses may face penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to other legal sanctions, depending on the nature and severity of the crime.

Atty. Alindayao also urged the barangay health workers (BHWs) who attended the orientation to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of abuse or violence within their communities to the appropriate authorities.