The PNP Women and Child Protection Desk (WCPD) is a unit within the Philippine National Police (PNP) that is responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of women and children in the Philippines. The WCPD was created in 2002 to address the growing problem of violence against women and children in the country, and to ensure that the PNP is properly equipped and trained to respond to this issue.
The WCPD has a nationwide network of desks that are located in police stations and substations across the country and is responsible for receiving and processing complaints of violence against women and children, as well as providing assistance and support to victims and their families. It also conducts investigations and arrests of suspects in cases of violence against women and children, and works closely with other units within the PNP, as well as with other government agencies and NGOs, to ensure that victims receive the support and protection they need.
The WCPD is also responsible for providing training and education to other units within the PNP on issues related to violence against women and children, as well as for raising awareness about this issue among the general public and works closely with other government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide assistance to victims and their families. "Libreng Tawag" (free call) service that allows individuals in need of assistance to call the WCPD hotline without charge is a program of WCPD.
As I have observed, cases involving violence against women and children are considered sensitive for several reasons. First and foremost, violence against women and children is a serious human rights issue that has a profound impact on the victims, their families, and society as a whole. The physical and psychological harm caused by such violence can be severe and long-lasting and can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their loved ones.
Secondly, cases involving violence against women and children are often complex and multi-faceted, and require a specialized and compassionate approach to investigation. Victims of such violence may be particularly vulnerable and in need of support and protection, and may be reluctant to come forward or may not be able to provide complete or accurate information.
Thirdly, cases involving violence against women and children are often emotionally charged and can be highly controversial, particularly when the perpetrator is someone known or close to the victim. These cases can be particularly challenging for law enforcement agencies and can put a significant strain on the officers involved.
Lastly, the perpetrator of the crime may be known to the victim, making it hard for the latter to come forward and seek help. The victims may also be afraid of retaliation or stigmatization. In light of these factors, it is essential that cases involving violence against women and children are handled with the utmost sensitivity, compassion and professionalism. This is why the PNP established the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), which is specifically tasked with the investigation of these cases. The WCPD is staffed by officers who are specially trained to handle these types of cases, and who are equipped to provide the necessary support and protection to victims.
Investigative Directive No. 2016-09
A directive issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2016 provides guidance on the investigation of cases involving violence against women and children. The directive was issued to ensure that the PNP Women and Child Protection Desk (WCPD) is properly equipped and trained to respond to this issue.
The directive is aimed at ensuring the proper and efficient handling of cases involving violence against women and children and preventing the occurrence of such cases. It provides guidance on the investigation of cases involving violence against women and children, including the proper handling of victims and the collection and preservation of evidence. The directive also requires that all police officers, particularly those assigned to the WCPD, undergo training on the proper handling of cases involving violence against women and children. It also requires that all police stations and substations have a WCPD desk manned by trained personnel to receive complaints and provide assistance to victims of violence against women and children.
Investigative directive also emphasizes the importance of coordination and cooperation with other government agencies and NGOs that provide services to victims of violence against women and children and also requires the PNP to establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the directive to ensure that it is being effectively implemented.
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