Western Visayas rape cases drop 69.6% in August

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) recorded 14 rape cases in Western Visayas in August, a 69.6% decline from the 46 cases reported during the same month in 2025.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, said rape registered the biggest decrease among the region’s eight focus crimes.

During a meeting with field commanders, Tuaño asked what could have contributed to the sharp decline.

“Lumalabas na malaking contributor is the active community engagement of our PCR (Police Community Relations) personnel. They have been going around and explain to women and children their rights under the law,” he said.

Tuaño said the strategy could initially lead to an increase in reported cases as more women and children become aware of their rights and are encouraged to report sexual abuse.

Over time, however, greater awareness of legal rights and remedies could help prevent abuse and contribute to a decline in cases, he said.

Of the 46 rape cases recorded in August 2025, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) logged the highest number at 24, or about 52% of the regional total.

The Aklan and Antique police provincial offices followed with seven cases each, while Capiz recorded four, and Guimaras and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) logged two each.

For August this year, Guimaras recorded no rape cases, while Iloilo province logged six, a 75% decline from its 24 cases a year earlier.

Aklan and Antique recorded three cases each, while Capiz and Iloilo City logged one case each.

Tuaño noted that around 50% of the recent rape cases were classified as incestuous rape.

The August figures follow a broader decline in focus crimes in Western Visayas, where PRO-6 earlier reported that rape cases fell 55.56%, from 126 to 56, from May 22 to Aug. 22 compared with the same period in 2025.