2026-04-12

BWC monitors WCPDs in 35 police stations across BARMM

BWC personnel conduct a monitoring visit and interview with police officers as part of the assessment of Women and Children Protection Desk functionality in one of 35 police stations across BARMM. (Photo courtesy of BWC) COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) is monitoring the functionality of Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) in 35 municipal and city police stations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help strengthen their services, improve case handling, and identify areas for further support. In cooperation with the Philippine National Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the monitoring began on March 25 and will run until April 7. BWC Technical Services Support Staff Hajrathe Belon said a functioning WCPD is crucial because it enables police stations to immediately receive and document reported cases, ensure victims’ safety and protection, and conduct an initial assessment for proper intervention. Initial findings showed positive practices in several stations, including the continued assignment of female officers to handle cases, proper orientation of victims and their parents or guardians on their rights and procedures, and sustained protection and support for victims during investigations. Belon added that the construction of dedicated WCPD offices is ongoing to help improve confidentiality and service delivery. “It also continues to improve services through the ongoing establishment of a separate, victim-friendly office,” she said. The monitoring covers police stations in Maguindanao del Norte, including Buldon, Northern Kabuntalan, Matanog, Sultan Mastura, Barira and Talitay; and in Maguindanao del Sur, including Talayan, Datu Paglas, Salipada K. Pendatun, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Buluan and Shariff Aguak. Also included are stations in Lanao del Sur, namely Malabang, Madalum, Kapatagan, Butig, Marantao and Madamba; in the Special Geographic Area, including Pahamuddin, Tugunan and Kadayangan; and Police Stations 2 and 3 in Cotabato City. The activity also includes police stations in the island provinces, including Mapun, Tandubas, Sibutu, Sapa-Sapa, South Ubian and Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi, as well as Hadji Muhammad Ajul, Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo, Al-Barka, Akbar and Tabuan-Lasa in Basilan. The WCPD continues to strengthen its programs with BWC support through staff training, closer coordination with barangays and partner agencies, and community awareness campaigns on women’s rights and protection. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)