A Masteral Thesis MDM major in Public Management PSU, Urdaneta City

1. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN
PROTECTION DESK PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN
CORDILLERA ADMINITRATIVE REGION
__________________________
A Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School
Pangasinan State University
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
__________________________
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master in Development Management
major in Public Management
_________________________
by
Mely Rita Anamong -Davis
February 2010

2. APPROVAL SHEET
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Development
Management, major in Public Management, this thesis entitled, “THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION DESK
PROGRAM AND SERVICES IN CORDILLERA ADMINITRATIVE REGION”
has been prepared and submitted by Mely Rita Anamong - Davis, is hereby approved and
accepted.
LETICIA B. URSUA, Ed. D. JOSEFINA B. BITONIO, D.P.A.
Critic Reader Adviser
Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination
ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Ed. D.
Chairman
MELITON G. DASSUN, M.D.M. FLORITA G. LOPEZ, Ed. D.
Member Member
Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master in
Development Management major in Public Management.
ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Ed.D. VICTORIANO C. ESTIRA, Ph.D.
Dean President
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3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
With profound thanks and gratitude, the researcher acknowledges the assistance
of those who in one way or another contributed to the completion of this study.
DR. ZENAIDA U. SUYAT, Dean Gradute School, Pangasinan State University;
for being the Chairman of her panel and for moderating intelligently, diplomatically and
smoothly which served as inspiration to the researcher to do better;
DR. JOSEFINA B. BITONIO, her adviser and at the same time the MDM
Program Adviser, for her full support and understanding and for gladly sharing her time
and expertise to whom she owes a debt of gratitude beyond measure;
PROF MELITON G. DASSUN, his challenging encouragement that kept her
aflame to finish this study;
DR. FLORITA G. LOPEZ, for her patience, guidance and valuable
suggestions;
DR. LETICIA B. URSUA, her critique reader, who helped improved the
quality and relevance of her study;
MDM classmates for their for their support and warm friendship that played a
role in this undertaking;
PDEA staff that helped in gathering data and for their love and moral support;
DSWD and PNP staff who gave their support in providing data needed in this
study and their cooperation during the conduct of the study;
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4. Her beloved family for their full support, understanding, patience and endless
encouragement; Above all, her deep thanks and gratitude to the God almighty for giving
her strength, and determination to pursue this study.
Mely Rita Anamong -Davis
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5. DEDICATION
This humble piece of work
is dedicated to
the women police for their courageous
and honorable act in protecting and handling of cases
committed against women and
children in the Philippines
Mely
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6. ABSTRACT
Researcher: Mely Rita Anamong -Davis
Degree / Specialization: Master in Development Management,
Public Management
Research Title: The Implementation of the Women and Children Protection
Desk Programs and Services in Cordillera Administrative
Region
Adviser: Josefina B. Bitonio, D.P.A.
Institution: Pangasinan State University Graduate School
Address: Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
The study employed the descriptive design in assessing the implementation of
the Women and Children Protection Desk programs and services in Cordillera
Administrative Region. There were 50 respondents consisting of police officers in
charge for WCPD and social workers of the municipality/provincial/city of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative.
Questionnaire checklist was used in data gathering. Based on the data gathered, the
following are the salient findings. The findings are summarized in the order of which the
problems are raised and hypothesis posed in this study.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDRED PROTECTION
DESKS (WCPD) IN THE CORDILLERAM ADMINBISTRATIVE REGION
Location. Data shows that 11 WCPD (45.83%) are found in Baguio City while 13
offices (54.17%) are located in the province of Benguet. Date Established. Three
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7. (14.28%) offices were established between 1999–present while 21 ( 85.72%) offices
were created during the period 1993–1998. Number of Employees. A total of 23
offices (95.83%) have employees of 1 to 10. Only one (1) have 11 and above
employees. Facilities. The facilities are categorized into three aspects: the building ,
equipment and vehicles. One office has a building of its own, 23 (95.83%) have offices
that are attached to PNP stations. Three offices (14.28%) have their own computers and
type writers and 21 (85.72%) are sharing the use of equipments. One (4.17%) office
owned a vehicle and 23 (95.83%) offices are without vehicle of their own.
CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN ASSISTED BY THE WCPD.
Anti-violence against women and their children ( RA 9262). Physical violence
ranks 1st with a frequency of 47, sexual abuse ranks 2nd with frequency of 28,
economic abused ranks 3rd with 27 and psychological violence ranks the 4th with 24.
The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353). Sexual Assault ranked number 1st with a
frequency of 33 as crime committed under this law while with carnal knowledge follows
with 31, ranks, 2nd.
Cases Under Revised Penal code (RPC). Crime on physical injuries is apparent
ranked number 1st with a frequency of 45 followed by acts of lasciviousness with 36,
ranks 2nd .
Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610). Sexual abuse committed against children is
leading with a frequency of 25 while physical abuse comes next with 11.
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8. Children in Conflict with the Law (RA 9344). The crime of theft ranked number
1 with a frequency of 47, physical injuries as second with 39, rape ranked number 3 with
18, robbery follows with 16 and curfew for minors ranked last with 16.
LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY OF OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO PROTECT
THE RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN
On Administrative. All the items or indicators that were rated “very
satisfactory” as follows: handling cases involving women and children violence (4.12);
managing people (4.00); handling cases of CICL (3.98); gender sensitivity awareness
(3.92); and handling a number of personnel (3.22). The overall weighted mean is 3.85
interpreted as “very satisfactory”.
On Managerial. All indicators on managerial aspects were rated “very
satisfactory” along the following: knowledge on the organizational goals was rated the
highest (4.04); gets along and very effective in dealing with the public (3.96); manifest
experienced in handling cases of VAWC (3.92); making decisions (3.88); and sensitivity
to the needs of the followers (3.80). The overall weighted mean is 3.92 interpreted as
very satisfactory.
On Technical. All indicators in technical leadership capability were rated very
satisfactory on the following: sensitivity in dealing with rape victims (3.98);
development of proper coordination with agency (3.96); dealing with victims (3.84);
development of well-learned procedures in investigation (3.82); and proper handling of
evidences (3.80). The overall weighted mean is 3.88 interpreted as very satisfactory.
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9. On Financial. All the indicators in financial matters have a rating of very
satisfactory along: traveling had the highest mean rating of (3.53), sufficient
materials/production of information leaflets on VAWC (3.35), supplies and materials
available in the office (3.31); provision of sufficient equipment and facilities in dealing
with VAWC cases (3.29); and adequate provision of physical facilities (3.22). The overall
weighted mean is 3.34.
LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICES
On Preventive Measure. There are four indicators which have a rating of
“often” are: conduct seminars on the laws of women and children protection to the
community (3.73), dissemination of information on violence against women and their
children services (3.59) production and regular distribution of VAWC information
education and communication (3.57) and gender sensitivity awareness (3.53) while the
indicator on the information drive on anti-trafficking (3.29) has a rating of “ sometimes”
The overall weighted mean is 3.54 with a descriptive rating of “often”.
On Investigation Services. The three indicators on investigatory services have a
rating of “always” are: availability of female police officers to receive complaints calls
for assistance in VAW cases(4.33), immediate attention given to victims with injuries
either by applying first aid or are rush to the nearest hospital’s emergency room (4.31)
and giving priority in attending VAWC and trafficking cases (4.29) while two indicators
have a rating of “often” along provision of telephone number, name of police officers to
the victim for follow-up (4.20) and WCPD is 24 hour operational to receive complaints
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10. and assist anytime (4.12). The overall weighted mean is 4.25 with a descriptive rating
of “always”.
On Arrest and Apprehension. The indicators that were rated “often” are:
notifying victim on the release of the perpetrator from custody and the conditions
attached upon his release (4.02); when the perpetrator is not arrested, the reasons are
explained to the victim (4.02); the police officer arrests the perpetrator despite the
claim by the perpetrator that the victim provoked or perpetuated the violence (3.82);
arresting the perpetrators despite the fact that the incident occurred in private place
(3.78) ; and arrest of perpetrators despite the victim’s opposition to the arrest (3.63).
The overall mean is 3.85 with a descriptive rating of “often”.
Conduct of Interview and Investigation. All the indicators on the conduct of
interview and investigations are rated “often”, specifically: The interview and
investigation are conducted by a female officer (4.16), the victim is provided with
information on the services available to her from government agencies and non-
government organizations (4.14), the initial interview and in-depth investigation are
conducted in a separate room with only one authorized person allowed inside (4.08),
child victim interview and investigation is in the presence of a social worker (4.08), the
victim is provided with information on the legal rights and remedies available to
her/him , especially the right to protection (4.06). The overall weighted mean is 4.10
rated as “ often”.
On Confidentiality of Police Blotter, Record and Reports. The Four indicators
with a descriptive rating of “always” are: medico legal examination results and other
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11. pieces of evidence are packaged and labeled as confidential and stored in a designated
evidence room (4.29); Maintaining of a separate logbook for VAWC incident is always
implemented also with confidentiality (4.27); and access to VAWC logbook is limited to
WCPD personnel (4.25) and on spot and progress reports on all VAWC and case folders
are secured in a locked cabinet (4.23) while one indicator which state that case folders
secured in a locked cabinet has a mean of 4.18 with a descriptive rating of “often”. The
overall weighted mean is 4.25 with a descriptive rating of “always”.
On Investigatory Services Rendered to CICL. All the indicators on services
rendered on initial contact with CICL have a descriptive rating of “always”. These
indicators are the police officers explain to CICL the offense committed (4.39), reasons
for apprehending and likewise the constitutional rights of the offender (4.35), the
apprehending officers identify themselves to the CICL (4.31), bringing the offender to
appropriate medical officer (4.31) and always render the service of not handcuffing or
enforce any instrument to CICL (4.29). The overall mean is 4.33 with a descriptive rating
of “always”.
On the Initial Investigation of Children in Conflict with the Law Services. All the
itemized services rendered on the initial investigation of children in conflict with the law
have a descriptive rating of “always” as follows: making child comfortable during the
initial investigation (4.37); respectful manner of questioning (4.35); considering the best
interest of the CICL (4.33); bringing in only the right person in a private room (4.27);
and releasing CICL when found by the LSWDO that the child acted without discernment
(4.25). The overall weighted mean is 4.32 interpreted as “always”.
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12. DIFFERENCES IN THE LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICES
ACROSS LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY
Preventive Measures across Administrative Leadership Capability. There is a
significant difference in the implementation of preventive measures and the
administration leadership capability of the police officers along: violence against
women and children program and gender sensitivity .
Preventive Measures across Managerial Leadership Capability. There are
significant differences in the level of implementation of preventive measures across the
managerial capability of the police officers. More specifically on the implementation of
violence against women and children program; gender sensitivity; and campaign on
anti-trafficking
Preventive Measures across Technical Leadership Capability. There are
significant difference in the implementation of preventive measures on gender
sensitivity and campaign on anti-trafficking.
Investigatory Services Across Administrative Leadership Capability . There are
significant differences in the implementation of the investigatory services on the
immediate attention given to victims with injuries; giving priority for VAWC and
trafficking cases; and accessibility of WCPD to received complaints and call for
assistance anytime .
Arrest and Apprehension Services Across Administrative Leadership
Capabilities. Significant differences exist in the level of implementation of the arrest
and apprehension services along the release of perpetrators from custody of the
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13. officers, the arrest of perpetrators despite victim’s opposition across administrative
leadership capability.
Conduct of Interview and Investigation Across Administrative Leadership
Capability. The provision of important information to the victim regarding his legal
rights and other privileges showed significant difference with administrative capabilities
of the officers.
Confidentiality across Administrative Leadership Capability. The services on
security of case folders related to the confidentiality of police blotter, records and
reports showed significant difference across the administrative leadership capability of
the officers.
Investigatory Service Across Administrative Leadership Capability. There are
significant differences in the implementation of the services on explaining to the CICLs
his/her offense and inform of his constitutional rights and on the case of not
handcuffing the CICL across the administrative leadership capability of the police
officers.
On Initial Investigation across Administrative Leadership Capability. There is a
significant difference in the implementation of initial investigation and the
administration leadership capability of the police officers along CICL found by the
LSWDO to have acted without discernment.
On Initial Investigation across Managerial Leadership Capability. There are
significant differences in the level of implementation on initial investigation across the
managerial capability of the police officers. More specifically on the implementation of
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14. making the child comfortable after his arrest ; consider the best interest of the child ;
the manner of questioning of questioning should be respectful and non-threatening;
and when the CICL is found by the LSWDO to have acted with discernment.
On Initial Investigation across Technical Leadership Capability. There is
significant difference in the implementation of initial investigation to CICL on making
him comfortable to best allow the CICL to tell the truth ; bringing the right people ;
consider the best interest of the child; and the manner of questioning should be
respectful and non threatening.
On Physical Facilities. It was noted on the findings that respondent answered
this problem as seldom, meaning it is not a burden on their part as they can serve their
clients properly.
On Personnel. Officers in charge of investigation of VAWC cases are well
trained and properly deployed in order to meet the needs of their clients. Rated as
seldom a problem.
On Interview and Investigation Process. Officers of this desk does not have a
problem, thus, they carry out their functions meeting the needs of their clients without
necessary problems encountered.
On Survivors/Victims Behavior. It was noted that moderately serious were on
investigation on crimes against women; the suspect is forgiven by the victim,
victim/survivor are afraid to file a case against the suspect, desistance to filed a case
against the suspect and non-cooperation of witness/es to testify.
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15. On Referral Activity. The moderately serious is the slow medico-legal
examination of victims It is also the concern of this research paper to determine the
difference in the level of implementation of the services of the WCPD officers across
the officers’ leadership capability. The succeeding table presents the data for this part.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN
THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
To have a good result of investigation and the protection of victims of violence,
the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) should have a well built and
equipped facilities.
The study would like to know the problems encountered by police officers in
dealing with victims of violence.
On Physical Facilities. The indicator on inadequacy of computers and a direct
telephone line, no separate room purposely for the investigation of VAWC victims and
no play area for minor victims was rated with an average weighted mean of 2.90; 2.88,
2.69, respectively are described as “moderately serious problem” while insufficient
filing cabinet and record room has a mean of 2.59 and no separate comfort room for
women victim has a means of 2.59 interpreted as “least serious”. On the whole, it
could be seen that WCPD officers has “moderately serious problem” (2.73) on physical
facilities.
On personnel. All personnel matters are rated “moderately serious”. The
overall average weighted mean is 2.83 with a descriptive rating of “moderately serious”.
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16. On Interview and Investigation Process. The three indicator with a rating of
“moderately serious” are: conduct of interview and investigation to victims of violence
is 2.86; the victim is not provided with information on the legal rights and remedies
available to her, especially the right to protection order RA 9262 (2.80), and inadequate
information on the legal rights and remedies available to victim (2.75) while interview
and Investigations are not conducted by female officers (2.61) and initial interview and
in dept investigation is not done in a separate room (2.57) interpreted as least serious
problem. The overall mean is (2.72) interpreted as “moderately serious” problem on
the services conduct of interview and investigation to victims of violence.
On Survivors/Victim. One indicator on victim retracting his/her statement and
non-appearance in court was given a rating of 3.47 which is categorized as “much
serious” while the remaining indicators such as: victim is suffering from trauma (3.39)
and non cooperation of child’s parent/guardian (3.39) ; victim cannot identify his/her
abuser (3.27) and child is not afraid to disclose abuses (3.22) were rated as “moderately
serious” problem. The overall mean is 3.35 interpreted as moderately serious problem.
On Investigation on Crimes Against Women. The four indicators have a rating
of “much serious” are: suspect is forgiven by the complainant has a mean of 3.61;
victim/s are afraid to file a case (3.51); desistance to file case
against the suspect (3.45) and non cooperation of witness/es to testify (3.43). The
overall mean is 3.46 interpreted as much serious.
On Referral Activity. One indicator, slow medico-legal examination of victims has a
rating of “much serious” with a mean of 3.43. All the rest were interpreted as
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17. moderately serious problems such as: slow evaluation of the appropriate psychiatric and
psychological status of the victim (3.35), slow psychosocial intervention (3.31) slow
examination of collected pieces of evidence (3.16) and officer in charge (2.80) was also
rated least serious. The overall rating is 3.21 interpreted as moderately serious.
CONCLUSIONS
Based from the findings of this study, the following conclusions have been
arrived at:
1. The Philippine National Police established the creation of the Women Desk to
attain cases of Violence against women and children in 1995. Majority of the WCPD
offices are established in the province of Benguet while the City of Baguio has a greater
number of women’s’ desk investigators
2. The common crimes attended by WCPD officers are physical violence, sexual
assault, physical injuries, sexual abuse and theft.
3. The leadership capability of the WCPD found out to be proficient in the four
aspects : Administrative, Managerial, Technical and Financial, the WCPD is very much
recognize and empowered to be more successful on their services.
4. The WCPD services to protect the rights of the women and children are
implemented “often” to the clients.
5. The significant implementation of the services on some areas of the indicator
differs from the leadership capability of the WCPD officers.
6. The moderately serious problems on the part of investigation on crimes
against women are the suspect is forgiven by the victim, victim/survivor are afraid to
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18. file a case against the suspect, desistance to file a case against the suspect and non-
cooperation of witness/es to testify. On referral activity, the moderately serious is the
slow medico-legal examination of victims.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In the light of the foregoing results and conclusions, the following
recommendations are presented:
1. Continuous support and upgrading of the WCPD organization should be made
to meet the real purpose and aim of the office to protect the rights of every women and
children against violence.
2. Thorough counseling of the victim by social workers to avoid retraction of
statement.
3. Improvement of linkages with other government agencies and non
government organization, particularly the partner agencies involved in violence against
women and children in order to satisfy the needs of the victims . Referral activity
particularly on medico-legal examination of victims must be addressed so that the
suffering of victims will not prolong.
4. To attain the purpose of bringing to an end the suffering experienced by
victims of violence in a very long procedure conducting both by police officers and social
workers, a concerted effort must be done by all implementers: police officers, social
workers, doctors, and prosecutors to stop violence, to really put-up a one-stop-center.
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19. 5. Finally, for those who still doubt of the average ratings, a separate study
involving the target respondents of investigators and social workers should be pursued
in the future to confirm or deny the results of this study.
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